The Nairobi Metropolitan Transport Authority (NAMATA) Council that is chaired by Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport Kipchumba Murkomeni, Nairobi governor Sakaja Johnson (Vice chair) announced ongoing process to recommence construction of the stalled 23-27KM NAMATA road network, famously known as Simba and Orange Line in Kasarani, that aims at reducing congestion in the city and solving traffic snarl problem.
The National Government and County Government partnered to initiate the commencement of the remaining works to introduce use of electric buses within the city and other neighbouring counties.
Speaking during the inspection of the project, CS Kipchumba Murkomen expressed confidence of the project solving congestion dilemma on roads and control emission of dangerous gases in the air.
“We are initiating this process to resolve congestion problem in Nairobi by making sure that we move the people in huge numbers using buses that can facilitate Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), reduce the number of vehicles on the roads as well as averting carbon emission problem” said CS Murkomeni.
“We are want to restart the road works that had been established and work on implementing PPP model to roll out the electric buses” added Murkomeni.
Upon completion, the project aims at accommodating about 600 buses, contrary to the initial plan of hosting 100 buses capacity.
The electric buses will operate in 10 lines, Nairobi, Thika, Kenol, Athi River, Ngong’, Kiserian, upto Limuru.
The first phase of the Line will cover the Ruiru-Nairobi CBD-Kenyatta National Hospital route with the second phase stretching from Kenol through Ruiru and Bomas (Langata Rd) to Rongai.
The terminal, located near Kasarani Stadium, will include a Park and Ride zone for motorists who wish to use BRT, a Matatu drop-off and pick-up zone, a bus ramp and an operation centre, among other facilities.
The Nairobi Governor Sakaja Johnson welcomed the project stating that it will tame the daily experienced road congestion, reduce transport costs of users and provide cheap and safe mode of transport to residents.
“Mobility is extremely important as a factor of production and making sure that the capital city moves is very important. BRT is our first answer to unlocking congestion and traffic snarl that we have been experiencing for many years and also reduce the amount of money people spend on the roads” said Governor Sakaja Johnson
“A city is not known by how many people own cars, if you go to London, New York you will learn that many people lack cars, because there is effective and reliable transit system” he added
The electric buses will be fixed with Telemeter and Dashboard Cameras to ensure safety and reduce road carnages.
The speed cameras will monitor vehicle’s speed as well as unravel other integrated road offences