PHOTOS: Kenha forced to repair neglected UoN tunnel after public outcry
The Kenya National Highways Authority (Kenha) has been forced to act and started repairing the neglected tunnel used by University of Nairobi students and the public.
The agency took the initiative in response to public outcry after images of the flooded and dimly lit tunnel, situated near St. Paul’s Chapel and the University Way roundabout—an often-used shortcut by students—were shared on social media.
According to some students who spoke to Nairobi News, the tunnel that connects the main campus and the graduation square had been neglected for over a year.
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They revealed that they are now forced to dodge vehicles on Uhuru Highway.
“The tunnel is useful as it’s a shortcut to the Chiromo campus. But it has been neglected for long. It is useful as some of us use it late in the evening after classes,” the student said.
“We have tried to follow up on the matter, but we are told the county government and Kenha are supposed to address the issue because the tunnel cuts across a highway,” he added.
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A spot check by Nairobi News on Sunday, January 28, revealed that the road authority has started draining the water from the flooded tunnel and is now constructing another tunnel to be used by the students.
Workers from Kenha spent the entire weekend draining the water in the tunnel as others put together an alternative tunnel in the UoN field, which will then be placed along the busy highway.
When reached for comment, Kenha Deputy Director – Corporate Communication Samwel Kumba said that although the site had been neglected, work has been happening in the background, including geotechnical investigations, design, planning, and procurement of works for a new structure.
“The precast yard for the new structure has been operational for two months,” said Mr Kumba.
He added that one of the wing walls of the existing structure, which blocks water, is going to be removed, and the side drain along the KBC fence will be improved to mitigate flooding.
“Lights will be installed in the new structure by June 2024,” he added.
In 2020, the tunnel was identified by students as a hotspot for robbery and rape, especially at night.
“There are street families that sleep there. They either vandalise the lights or switch them off, so using that tunnel definitely becomes a risk,” a student said.