From bribes to risky pedestrian crossings: The high cost of Nakuru’s missing road signs

A stroll through Nakuru’s city centre reveals a troubling scene: streets without clear order, motorists unsure of their routes and pedestrians crossing roads at will. The absence of road signs, many of which were vandalised during recent anti-government protests, has left the city on the brink of a traffic crisis.

What should be simple drives have become costly mistakes for motorists. Christopher Ngotho, a motorist, says that the missing signs have become a source of income for corrupt police officers.

“Most streets are not labelled anymore. You can’t tell which streets are one-way or where 'No Entry' applies. The police take advantage of this, positioning themselves at these spots. If you make a mistake, they arrest you,” he explains.

Ngotho recalls being stopped near Eastmark Hotel. The officers entered his car and ordered him to drive to Central Police Station. Midway through the journey, they asked him to park near a temple and demanded for a bribe. He says he paid Sh1,000 to avoid charges.

Drivers now have to guess, often checking how cars are parked or following other motorists, to figure out one-way streets. However, as Ngotho says its risky and literally gambling with the law.

Teddy*, a matatu driver with Uchumi 44, says the situation worsened after the metal barriers separating the lanes were vandalised.

"Without the "No Entry" sign near the Pinkam roundabout, motorists are losing money daily. People are making U-turns anywhere and traffic was getting out of hand. Only the police could control the chaos,” he says.

Pedestrians haven’t been spared either. Many now cross at random points, ignoring the designated crossings, especially near Biashara Centre, a trend that Teddy describes as reckless and dangerous.

Nakuru City Manager Gitau Thabanja admits that this is a serious challenge. He says the county plans to replace vandalised signs and add new ones.

"These signs are critical for safety and order. We will work with security authorities to restore them,” he says.

However, residents argue that the county is moving too slowly, leaving them vulnerable to both accidents and alleged police exploitation. For many, the streets now feel more like a trap than a city centre.

However, Nakuru Sub-County Police Commander Samson Adanje denied knowledge of officers extorting motorists.

“Anyone with such a complaint should report it officially so we can follow up,” he says.

Until then, confusion reigns in Nakuru’s streets, where missing road signs have turned daily commutes into a gamble.