On Tuesday, transport stakeholders said failure to put on the lights is a setback to the positive changes that the bypass has brought to the coastal region.
Truck drivers, tour operators and taxi drivers who have been using the road for easy access of the Mombasa Port, Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and the Moi International Airport said they fear for their security and possible accidents while driving along the road.
Motorists using the Dongo Kundu bypass have raised concerns over their safety while using the road at night.
The fears came following failure by the government to light the road despite installation of the street lights.
Since the project was launched by President Uhuru Kenyatta in May, the lights have not been switched on.
On Tuesday, transport stakeholders said failure to put on the lights is a setback to the positive changes that the bypass has brought to the coastal region.
Truck drivers, tour operators and taxi drivers who have been using the road for easy access of the Mombasa Port, Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and the Moi International Airport said they fear for their security and possible accidents while driving along the road.
Kenya Long Distance Truck Drivers Union secretary general Nicholas Mbugua said he had received several complaints from drivers over the situation of the road.
“The project is a game-changer but with such complaints we are worried about the security of our drivers. We fear that they can have their cargo and even the diesel stolen from them while using the road at night,” said Mr Mbugua.
The Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers (KAHC) executive officer Sam Ikwaye said the project is one of the key investments in the region and called on the government to ensure that it is well maintained.
“Maintenance of that road is a must and whoever is sleeping on his job must take his responsibility. We do not want some few people who do not know their work to drag the government back,” said Mr Ikwaye.
He said the road has eased traffic and movement of people and goods.
Mr Rodgers Javan, a Taxify driver said h the bypass is not safe.
“The other day a lorry broke down at night along the road and one could not see it clearly because of the darkness especially near the tunnel,” said Mr Javan.
“The road has eased our work but those responsible should not allow something small to ruin the bigger positive side of the project.”
A spot check by Shipping and Logistics revealed that the motorists have been forced to put full lights while on the road because of the darkness.
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