Hilarious Reactions as Eldoret Residents Start Learning How to Use Traffic Lights: "Dangerous"
- Uasin Gishu county has begun installing new traffic lights along major roads in Eldoret as part of efforts to elevate the city’s status
- The initiative follows Eldoret’s grant of city status in August 2024, with Governor Jonathan Bii prioritising investments in security, infrastructure, and seamless urban operations
- The traffic light installation aims to enhance road safety, reduce congestion, and ensure smooth mobility as the city continues to grow
- The project is aligned with the county’s broader vision to bring Eldoret on par with other major cities like Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu
Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
Uasin Gishu county has started installing new traffic lights along major roads within Eldoret city.
Source: UGC
The move is part of the county government's broader plans to elevate Eldoret to the level of other cities such as Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu.
The North Rift city was granted city status in August 2024, three years after Nakuru was granted a similar status.
Governor Jonathan Bii prioritised investment in seamless operations, from security installations to infrastructure development.
This week, the county government embarked on a mega plan to install traffic lights on major roads.
"As our city grows, so must our infrastructure. The ongoing installation of traffic lights is a key step in enhancing road safety, easing congestion, and ensuring smooth mobility for all," said the governor.
Kenyans react to Eldoret traffic lights
However, this project has received mixed reactions from Kenyans, who took to social media to wonder how the people of Eldoret, known for farming and running, will adjust to the limitations of traffic lights.
Kefa Korir said:
"How can you tell marathoners to wait for traffic lights to blink green before they continue with their race. This will be total chaos."
Cynthia Silei said:
"I can't wait to see those farmers' tractors parked on traffic at the heart of our city. Someone get me a good camera in advance" she reacted.
Jamiz Cherotich said.
"Watu wa Eldoret are very impatient. They are always running in the streets like it's a playing field. This will be a full comedy show to watch. Confusion galore awaits."
Caleb Simatwo said:
"People of Ziwa will need a three months of training to understand what green and red means. Those ninjas don't even respect perimeter walls. Dangerous is dangerous."
How did Eldoret residents react to changes?
Samson Rotich, a tractor driver from Kesses, asked Bii to reconsider the decision to install the traffic lights, particularly on roads used by farmers.
According to Rotich, it will be very difficult for tractor drivers to deal with the automated lights, arguing that most of them are old-school drivers.
"My work is to focus on the steering wheel and what's is ahead. Asking me to look right and left for signals is to distract me," he argued.
His frustrations were shared by Sammy Kipruto, who argued the lights would cause confusion and delays.
"Eldoret is very orderly I don't know why the governor wants to bring the problems of Nairobi here. We want security lights, but we are not ready traffic lights.
However, a section of Uasin Gishu residents lauded the governor for the initiative, saying it will bolster security and contribute positively to the economic transformation of Eldoret city.
Brenda Tirop told TUKO.co.ke that traffic lights are key indicators of a town poised for growth.
She asked the governor and his team to invest in modern facilities to give Eldoret good services.
"The town looks beautiful and orderly. I hear people call Kisumu London, if that is true, then Eldoret will soon be the Washington of Africa," she said.
Claire Masit said the initiative to install new traffic lights is exciting for the people of the north-rift city.
"There will be confusion at first and that is what makes it exciting. This is something that ought to have happened long time ago but it was delayed. We thank the governor for take the bold step to make Eldoret an orderly city," she said.
When did Eldoret become a city?
In August 2024, President William Ruto officially elevated Eldoret to city status, making it Kenya's fifth city.
The conferment ceremony in Uasin Gishu county was attended by national leaders and athletes from the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Ruto signed the city charter, marking the culmination of a successful application process and Senate approval.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
