Traffic jams cost Kenya Sh60b annually - architects

By Patrick Beja

Kenya loses Sh60 billion annually as a result of congestion in Nairobi and the crisis was also developing in Mombasa.

Architects now want the Government to relocate headquarters of ministries from Nairobi to decongest it.

Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK) Chairman Steven Oundo said the body advocated for the relocation of offices from the city to save the economy from losses resulting from traffic jams.

"Why is the Ministry of Agriculture or Fisheries in Nairobi?" he posed.

The association also wants the Ministry of Nairobi Metropolitan Development transformed and its mandate expanded to cover all major towns. Addressing the AAK annual convention at Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort in Mombasa yesterday, Mr Oundo said more than Sh24 billion was lost annually through wasted fuel.

Poor designs

In a speech read on his behalf by an Assistant Minister Alfred Khang’ati, Prime Minister Raila Odinga challenged architects to address poor house designs that lead to collapse of structures.

Raila also challenged the professionals to help resolve unplanned developments. "Frequent reports of collapsing structures does not augur well for your profession," the PM said.

Oundo challenged the Government to address the growing traffic congestion in Mombasa.

Mr David Mutiso, an architect warned that if physical planning was not anchored on economic development, it would result in a waste of time and resources.

Another architect Ms Miriam Al-Maawy suggested the time Government offices and private businesses open and close business should be regulated to manage traffic in the cities.