Importance of Students' Walkways Along Embu-Meru Highway

By COLLINS MURIMI

Second Year BA Journalism and Mass Communication Student,  Chuka University 

The Embu -Meru highway is one of the busiest roads in the eastern part of Kenya, connecting several industrious towns and serving thousands of motorists every day. This major highway passes near institutions of higher learning including University of Embu and Chuka University. Because of this, many students use the highway on daily basis either walking along or crossing the busy highway creating a dangerous situation that has led to repeated accidents.

In recent years, concerns have grown about the number of accidents involving students along sections of the Embu–Meru highway near university campuses. Several incidents have left students injured or even killed while attempting to cross the road or walk along its edges.

Many of these accidents happen when students either attempt to cross the highway in areas without proper pedestrian facilities such as designated walkways and foot bridges. Drivers along the Embu-Meru highway often move at high speed making it difficult for them to stop at times hence increasing the risk of fatal accidents.

For instance in late October 2024, two students Cynthia Ochoi and her friend Felly from Chuka University were hit and killed by a vehicle just outside the university's gate along the highway near Ndagani area with Felly dying on the spot and Cynthia succumbing later to injuries.

Many residents and business owners around the university have also expressed concern about the rising number of accidents involving students. According to them, the problem has persisted for years, especially during early morning and evening hours when students are walking to classes or returning to their hostels. Some drivers fail to slow down even when approaching the university area. As a result, pedestrians are often forced to run across the road to avoid oncoming vehicles. Community members believe that constructing proper walkways and pedestrian crossings would greatly improve safety and protect students who depend on this busy highway every day.

In addition to walkways, speed bumps, zebra crossings, proper lighting and clear road signs should be introduced in sections of the highways especially near these universities.

Authorities such as The Kenya National Highways Authority and the National Transport and Safety Authority should work with universities and county governments to ensure these measures are implemented.

When pedestrians have a designated path away from the main traffic lanes, the likelihood of accidents is greatly reduced.

Student walkways are also important because universities attract large populations of young people who frequently move between hostels, lecture halls, shops and bus stages. Many students live in hostels located outside university gates and must cross the highway several times a day. During morning and evening hours, hundreds of students may attempt to cross the road at the same time. Without safe crossings, this situation becomes extremely dangerous. Properly constructed walkways and footbridges would allow students to move safely without interrupting the flow of traffic.

Students also have a role to play by avoiding using mobile phones or earphones while along highways or while crossing the road and to always remain alert to oncoming vehicles.

In addition to protecting students, pedestrian walkways can also improve traffic management along the highway. When pedestrians cross the road randomly, drivers are often forced to brake suddenly or change lanes to avoid hitting them. This increases the risk of collisions between vehicles as well. With designated walkways and crossing points, pedestrians follow a predictable path, making it easier for drivers to anticipate their movement. As a result, both drivers and pedestrians benefit from improved safety

Awareness campaigns within campuses can remind students to remain alert and use designated crossing points. When both pedestrians and drivers behave responsibly, the chances of accidents decrease significantly.

Ultimately, the safety of students should be a priority for national and local authorities. Investing in pedestrian infrastructure is not just about improving roads; it is about protecting human lives. Each year, road accidents claim thousands of lives in Kenya, and pedestrians are among the most vulnerable victims. When students lose their lives in preventable accidents, families and communities suffer immense loss.

In conclusion, student walkways are necessary along the Embu-Meru highway.The safety of many university students depends on proper pedestrian infrastructure.If all stakeholders play their part, then students can pursue their education without risking their lives everyday.