REF: BUSINESS DISRUPTION AND ACCESSBILITY TO HOMES AND PREMISES.

 

 

KENYA- TRANSPORT  SECTOR SUPPORT PROJECT(P124109) AND ITS ADDITIONAL FINANCING (P146630).                             

 

Small and medium level businesses were the driving force behind Dinah economy  and yet, their interests and support was not taken into account during the design stage and actual construction. There was total lack of effective and inclusive engagement. There was clear evidence from the disclosure meeting for the RAP Implementation Audit report by Panafcom Ltd. at Minata hotel , on 25/2/2020, that concerns of this group  had never been captured and  addressed by both Panafcom and KeNHA staffs, and yet the project is coming to close.

 HISTORICAL BACKGROUND.

Before, the construction of the interchange there was easy and convenient access of both vehicles and pedestrians to businesses and homes. The access feeder roads provided  entry and exit routes  in either direction from Webuye town, Eldoret , Kitale or Bungoma.  on both sides, of the road.

There were feeder roads, serving not only businesses but, thousands of residents. Example, Dinah- Malaha road serving almost 2,000 people, Camp David road, road to Radio Mambo, and road to Molo estate. This is further explained by the accompanying drawings.

 

DESIGN.

The design and actual implementation, basing on the SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM SHOWING PEDESTRIAN AND VEHICLE MOVEMENTS AT WEBUYE INTERCHANGE,  disregarded  the existing feeder roads, leading to disruption and  loss of  businesses and inconveniencing  residents to their homes. There is total failure of the project component of improved roads and road safety, as most  residents  within the interchange risk daily accessing their homes  and businesses from both side. Customers/ clients, business owners, suppliers  and residents with vehicles are unable to access their premises and homes easily and safely.

 

PROBLEM.

The elevated wall of the interchange has created a barrier on both sides , resulting into pedestrians  taking a longer distance  and time before reaching the pedestrian crossings, while vehicular movements for easy access to businesses and homes have been  curtailed on  both  sides of the road .

The following businesses have been adversely affected , Minata hotel, Website hotel , Camp David hotel, united millers,, Webuye corner petrol station and Jakas petrol station, and have  incurred income losses and business disruption during the actual construction. Closure of access to the  premises  affected businesses as clients moved out.

With the completion of the interchange,  businesses has not picked up, and transport sector businesses such as Easy coach bus, North Rift  and Great Rift  shuttles are also experiencing  difficulties to access their premises in either direction of the road on both sides. For example, how will someone access Easy Coach bus, Dinah- Malaha road, Minata hotel, Great Rift shuttle and several retail shops, while coming from Eldoret, Kitale, Webuye or Kakamega, easily and safely?

 

TRAFFIC RULES CONTRAVENTION

 

On several occasions clients / customers , suppliers, residents, business owners, with vehicles get lost , and as a result drive on the wrong side of the road , contravening traffic rules so as to access and  reach business premises or their homes.

This is a safety issue and the probability of accidents happening is very high.

IMPACT.

The interchange has blocked  businesses and  affected easy movements to the populations of  Dinah community. The project has decreased business opportunities,  and thus, disempowered  the community leading to  increased insecurity in the area.

Overall the project has not spurred economic growth of these community. People have lost jobs,  some businesses closed,  businessmen/ women have been unable to service their loans as required, reducing the livelihood of the people.

The project objective of increased efficiency can not be achieved as employment opportunities for hotel workers and suppliers has been affected.

 

 PROPOSED  SOLUTION

1.Provide two-way direction slip roads on both sides of the interchange as opposed to the current one-way  direction slip roads for vehicles and at the round about with clear marked directions and indications for easy and convenient access.

2. In addition to the two-way direction slip roads on both sides, provide a U-Turn, or a round about at both ends of the interchange.