Latest plan to decongest city not well thought out

Nairobi is faced with congestion just like any other city in the world. And rural-urban migration has only served to compound the problem. As such, there have been plans to decongest it.

These plans include barring matatus from the CBD. The Government has also been toying with the idea of banning 14-seater matatus in favor of high-capacity PSV buses.

However, matatu owners have rejected this plan claiming they were not consulted. The State is now in the process of acquiring high-capacity buses, under Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, that will have dedicated lanes. The service will be piloted on Thika highway.

The latest plan by Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia is to introduce ‘car-free days’ in Nairobi. In this arrangement, no car will be allowed in the CBD on Wednesdays and Saturdays, only buses operating under BRT.

Kenyans have opposed this plan which they feel is not well thought out. If implemented, the plan is likely to hurt residents who may have to walk long distances to reach their destinations. Businesses are also likely to take a hit as customers may not be able to access them. What about people with special needs? Have they been considered? Do the BRT buses have special facilities for them? Simply put, car-free days will inhibit movement which will consequently affect work and business. 

Decongesting the city should not be exclusively done by the Government. Other stakeholders must be consulted. The Government should tell us what the plan is based on. Have they carried out research to conclude this is the best way to address congestion? We should find out how some of the largest cities in the world have dealt with this problem.