Plans to set up a body that will oversee the implementation of mass rapid transit system within the city and its surroundings is near complete.
This is after Transport and Infrastructure Cabinet Secretary Michael Kamau appointed a steering committee for the establishment of the Nairobi Metropolitan Area Transport Authority.
The eight-member team will be chaired by Transport Principal Secretary Nduva Muli who will work with representatives from five counties.
The team includes Nduva's counterparts John Mosonik (Infrastructure), Marium El Maawy (Lands, Housing and Urban Development and County Executive Committee Members in-charge of Roads and Transport from Nairobi, Machakos, Kajiado, Kiambu and Murang'a.
The CS said the appointment of the team follows discussion he held with the five governors last year, with the team now expected to take over any negotiations with investors who eye the transport sector.
The steering committee has been given a one-year term from March 1, 2015, to oversee the development of an integrated transport strategy, based on evidence and transport planning best practice, for the Nairobi Metropolitan region including links between transport and land use planning concerning all modes.
The team shall every three months, prepare and submit to the Cabinet Secretary reports of its progress; propose interim recommendations to for the Cabinet Secretary within six months of its appointment; and submit a final report and make final recommendations to the Cabinet Secretary within one year of its appointment.
"It's after submitting their report that we will look at other aspects such as legal instructions and legislation for the establishment of Nairobi Metropolitan Area Transport Authority," Kamau said.
The team will recommend on management, development and delivery of an integrated public transport system in the Metropolitan Region, including undertaking and co-ordinating all matters relating to mass rapid transit system.
Last October, governors of Kajiado, Kiambu, Nairobi and Murang'a signed a Memorandum of Understanding to pave way for the formation of the authority.
The authority is also set to recommend policies on pricing and investments, financing equipment and related traffic management systems.
The World Bank and other development partners are helping Kenya to modernise its transport system.
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