MACHAKOS, Kenya — Machakos Senator Agnes Kavindu has raised concerns over rising cases of stray dogs in Syokimau and persistent traffic congestion around the Mlolongo weighbridge and exit along the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway.
Kavindu raised the two issues in the Senate on Thursday, October 1, 2026, seeking intervention from parliamentary committees to address public safety and transport challenges affecting residents and motorists in Machakos County.
Senator Raises Alarm Over Stray Dogs, Rabies Risk
Kavindu, invoking Standing Order 53(1), sought a statement from the Senate Standing Committee on Health over the increasing presence of stray dogs in Syokimau and other residential areas.
She cited an incident on August 25 in which a young man was allegedly attacked by three stray dogs while pushing his motorcycle along Katani Road between Veteran Hospital and BE Energy Petrol Station.
The man sustained injuries and received medical treatment, including an anti-rabies vaccination.
Kavindu wants the committee to establish measures being taken by the Machakos County Government to identify, vaccinate, collect and safely manage stray dogs in Syokimau and other residential areas.
The committee has also been asked to establish the availability and accessibility of anti-rabies vaccines and treatment in public health facilities, as well as measures to ensure residents receive the services promptly and affordably.
It is further expected to provide data on reported dog-bite cases and suspected rabies exposures in Machakos over the past three years, including the number of residents who received anti-rabies treatment.
Kavindu also called for a comprehensive stray-animal management programme incorporating public sensitisation and humane handling of dangerous or unowned animals in accordance with the law.
Mlolongo Traffic Comes Under Senate Scrutiny
In a separate request, Kavindu sought answers from the Senate Standing Committee on Roads, Transportation and Housing over congestion and road-safety concerns around the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) weighbridge and exit at Mlolongo.
She said the movement of heavy trucks into ordinary traffic, combined with Public Service Vehicles stopping near exits to pick up and drop off passengers, had worsened congestion.
The senator also cited inadequate signage, abrupt lane changes and weak traffic management as factors contributing to delays, particularly during morning peak hours.
The committee has been asked to establish whether the existing road layout adequately accommodates trucks, PSVs and other motorists.
It will also examine measures to prevent trucks from queuing on or spilling onto the main carriageway, improve designated PSV stopping points and strengthen signage, lane markings and traffic management.
Mlolongo-Kamulu Road Closure Adds Pressure
The concerns come as motorists in the wider Mlolongo-Syokimau area adjust to the temporary closure of Mlolongo-Kamulu Road.
The closure began on October 1 and is scheduled to remain in place until December 1 to allow construction works.
The Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) has designated Syokimau-Katani Road and Syokimau-Parliament Road for light and medium vehicles, while heavy commercial vehicles have been directed to use Tuffoam Road.
