New project to clear city roads during peak hours

By Cyrus Ombati and David Ochami

The Government has launched the second phase of Rapid Results Initiative (RRI) with a pledge to reduce traffic congestion in Nairobi by 50 per cent within 100 days.

Police plan to deploy more riders in the Central Business District in peak hours, procure more communication equipment, deploy more traffic officers, introduce on spot fines and remove Public Service Vehicles from the CBD to achieve the goals.

Internal Security Minister George Saitoti said police would bar heavy commercial vehicles from the CBD between 6am and 6pm for easy movement.

Traffic jam in Nairobi has been one of the factors turning away investors.

"We are also planning to upscale our performance to conform to our Service Charter and Performance targets contained in the performance contract signed this year," said Saitoti.

He made the remarks when he briefed the media ahead of the launch of the RRI programme. The programme was introduced in 2006 to enhance better services. Saitoti said crime had reduced by 10 per cent since then and traffic flow in Nairobi and other major towns improved by 30 per cent.

"The programme will be implemented through a temporary leadership structure devoid of the normal bureaucratic procedures which delay decision making and accomplishment of tasks," said the minister.