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KURA demolishes controversial Section 58 bump after resident complaints

Workers remove a recently erected  bump at Section 58 on September 30, 2025 following several accidents that killed one person and left several injured.

Photo credit: Purity Kinuthia/Mtaa Wangu

Two weeks after marking a speed bump at Section 58 in response to public complaints, the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) South Rift region has now removed it entirely following continued protests from residents.

The speed bump, which was installed late in the evening without markings, had been blamed for multiple accidents. Even after it was painted, locals said it was still dangerously high and poorly constructed.

"Following the public outcry, we have decided to remove the speed bump and install a zebra crossing instead. The need to regulate speed was valid, but the bump was not effective," KURA South Rift Deputy Director, Engineer John Orwa says.

Workers remove a recently erected  bump at Section 58 on September 30, 2025 following several accidents that killed one person and left several injured.

Photo credit: Purity Kinuthia/Mtaa Wangu

He added that the lack of street lighting in the area increases the risk for motorists at night. He confirmed that the road signs warning of the bump would also be removed to avoid confusing drivers.

According to site worker Philip Ndei, demolition of the bump began on September 27, with completion targeted for September 30.

Philip Ndei, one of the workers removing the recently erected  bump at Section 58 on September 30, 2025 following several accidents that killed one person and left several injured

Photo credit: Purity Kinuthia/Mtaa Wangu

“We are burning materials on the bump to soften the tarmac so we can remove it faster,” explained Mr Ndei.

Kennedy Otieno, a boda boda rider who was involved in an accident at the bump, welcomed its removal.

"Speeding motorists would hit the bump because it was unmarked and too high. Even after it was painted, accidents still happened. That’s why we asked for it to be removed,” he says.

Kennedy Otieno, a boda boda rider, who was injured on his knee after he hit the bump and fell.

Photo credit: Purity Kinuthia/Mtaa Wangu

Jennifer Sungu, a nearby florist, says the bump had put her and others at risk.

“When a tuk-tuk rolled over after hitting it, we rushed to help the driver. We also lived in constant fear of cars losing control and crashing into our stalls. I almost got hit once myself,” she recalled, adding that she had witnessed more than five accidents in a single week.

Jennifer Sungu is a florist who works near where the bump was installed. She says she is relieved to see the bump being removed because of the accidents it caused.
 

Photo credit: Purity Kinuthia/Mtaa Wangu

County Roads Executive Eng Michael Kamau confirmed that the bump had originally been installed by KURA at the request of residents due to the proximity of a hospital, kindergarten and apartments.

“We agreed with KURA that, since the bump could not be redesigned, it was best to remove it altogether,” Mr Kamau says.

Previous photos of the recently installed bump at Section 58 on September 16 which caused several accidents. 

Photo credit: Purity Kinuthia/Mtaa Wangu

The zebra crossing is expected to provide a safer crossing point for pedestrians and encourage motorists to slow down in this busy area.