Monday, 14 September 2015

State rolls out Sh4b Nairobi commuter system

By Graham Kajilwa

Monday, September 14th 2015 

KENYA: The Government has rolled out a Sh4.13 billion master plan to implement a mass rapid transit system for Nairobi metropolitan region.

The project, which includes a bus rapid transit system and commuter rail services, is set to significantly reduce the amount of time and money spent by city residents on transport.

The Government will contribute Sh1.13 billion for the project while Sh3 billion will be provided by the World Bank through the International Development Association (IDA) with no interest accruing.

The Ministry Transport and Infrastructure has confirmed technological assistance from the European Union (EU) to map out pilot areas for the project.

"There will be a feasibility study and detailed engineering designs of some roads arterial within the city. This will be done concurrently with a survey to determine the viability of the bus rapid transport system in the city," said the ministry in a statement.

The ministry adds that the survey will include vehicle and passenger occupancy counts.

"This will include the fares being paid in relation to the destinations and what improvements the commuters would like to see in the upcoming transport system," the statement added.

Some of the routes already earmarked for the project are Ngong Rd, Gitanga Road, Argwings Kodhek Road, Haile Selassie Avenue, Kenyatta Avenue, Mbagathi Way and Lang'ata Road, among others.

Major components of the project will include the expansion and upgrading of highways, service and access roads from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport through Nairobi to Rironi in the Northern Corridor transport system.

There will also be construction of bypasses in Kisumu, Western Kenya and Meru in the East.

This will be executed by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure with assistance from the Kenya Railways Corporation, Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) and the Kenya Urban Roads Authority.

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