Arise Media 
Commuters and motorists have urged the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) to address a dangerous pothole along the Embu-Meru highway in Runyenjes Constituency, which has been the cause of several accidents recently.
The deteriorating road section has become a significant concern for daily road users.
Residents and drivers report that the pothole at Ngirimari bridge bordering Kyeni and Kiaragana areas has worsened over the past few weeks.
John Kathangu, a politician and resident of Kyeni described the situation as dire.
“The pothole is causing damage to vehicles and poses a serious risk to life. We need immediate intervention before more lives are lost,” Kathangu said.
Several incidents have been reported including the Sunday afternoon collision involving a Toyota Harrier and a Nissan Navara.
The casualties from the incident were taken to Consolata Hospital Kyeni for treatment.
Witnesses attribute these accidents to drivers swerving to avoid the pothole, resulting in collisions with oncoming traffic or losing control of their vehicles.
Thomas Njue, a motorist, lamented that the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) was not addressing the issue adequately, a statement echoed by Roselyn Wanja, a resident.
“KeNHA seems to worsen the potholes whenever they attempt a temporary fix, especially after the rains. They leave them unattended, and the situation worsens,” he said.
Wanja said the busy highway was full of dangerous potholes from Mwea-Makutano in Kirinyaga County to Meru posing great danger, especially to new drivers.
Human rights activist Taratisio Ireri Kawe has also joined the call for urgent repairs, emphasizing the government’s responsibility to ensure safe road conditions.
“It is a fundamental right for citizens to have safe infrastructure. This pothole jeopardizes the safety and well-being of road users. The government must act immediately to fix this matter,” Kawe said.
KeNHA has not yet issued a formal statement on the matter.
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