Kericho:In preparation for the forthcoming Mashujaa Day Celebrations in Kericho County, Rift Valley Regional Commissioner Dr. Abdi M. Hassan has delineated specific traffic guidelines. The celebrations, set to be officiated by President William Ruto, necessitated these changes for smoother vehicular movement and management.
As reported by the Kenya News Agency, during a media breakfast in Kericho, Dr. Hassan revealed a detailed plan devised in association with KenHA. This initiative aims to alleviate congestion in Kericho town by directing and diverting vehicles and motorcycles to particular bypasses. The changes will be in effect from 19/10/2023 at 5 pm to 20/10/2023 at 5 pm.
Dr. Hassan elaborated on the diversions:
– Vehicles from the Bomet/Litein area en route to Kisumu must divert at Premier Junction, proceeding through Kabianga University to Sosiot, and eventually merging with the Kericho/Kisumu highway at Kapsoit.
– For those heading to Nakuru from the Bomet/Litein direction, a diversion at Premier junction will lead them via Kabianga University to the Chepnyogaa shopping centre. Following a right turn, they will pass through Tegat and Kipchimchim before reaching Brooke and proceeding to Nakuru.
– Another notable diversion for vehicles from the Bomet/Litein area is at Kipsigis Girls, leading to the Tegat Kisumu Junction.
– Motorists traveling from Nakuru to Kisumu are advised to traverse Londiani and Muhoroni, joining the Kisumu Kericho highway at the Kipsitet locale.
– For those traveling from Nakuru towards Bomet/Sotik/Kisii, a diversion at Brooke guides them through Kipchimchim, Tegat, Chepnyogaa, and Premier before merging onto the Kericho Litein road.
Highlighting other key changes, the RC noted that the Kericho main stage would remain closed to the public, being designated as parking for vulnerable individuals and senior citizens. Moreover, Moi Garden, ACK Church, and Emmanuel Church have been earmarked for VVIPs, Diplomats, VIPs, and service providers. Distinct Red, Blue, and White stickers will identify the vehicles of these dignitaries and service providers. Eland primary school, adjacent to the police station, will also serve as reserved parking for VVIPs and Diplomats. To aid navigation, KenHA has installed reflective road signs on the relevant roads.
Additionally, certain roads leading to the stadium and County Commissioners’ residence will be temporarily closed within the same aforementioned timeframe. Only vehicles sporting Red, Blue, or White stickers will be granted passage.
Dr. Hassan further delineated several blocking zones:
– Kericho Day Secondary school along the Kericho-Nakuru road near the Shell petrol station will house vehicles and motorcycles from the Nakuru direction.
– Siloam Hospital along the Kericho-Bomet-Kisumu highway will guide vehicles and motorcycles from Bomet to park at Kericho Primary School.
– At Nyagacho near the bridge, vehicles and motorcycles from Kisumu and Kipchimchim will be directed to Kericho Township Primary and Secondary Schools for parking.
– The Junction leading to Kericho Golf Club will be restricted, diverting vehicles and motorcycles to Kericho Primary School.
Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) will be prohibited from accessing the main stage or the town. These vehicles will adhere to designated drop-off and pick-up points at the above-highlighted parking zones.
Assuring security provisions at all parking areas, Dr. Hassan urged motorists and motorcycle riders to heed directions given by the police. As a precautionary measure, he also advised all vehicle operators to ensure their vehicles and motorcycles are securely locked.