The Implementation of Kenya’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) ‘It is almost imminent’ according to the Principal Secretary, State Department for Housing and Urban Development.
PS Charles Hinga said the ministry has received some budget which will be used for upgrading facilities before its rollout.
He was speaking on Thursday at a multistakeholder meeting convened by the Management University of Africa under the auspices of Road Safety Solutions of Kenya (ROSSOK).
ROSSOK presented it’s Public Transport Taskforce Project (PCPT) outcomes themed ‘Building a vision for a people-centered Public Transport’.
According to the research consultant Dr.Njoroge Waweru, Kenya has the best comprehensive policy environment for sustainable urban transport development, however, “The report indicates there is a high level of ignorance on plans and initiatives of the government for improving the transport sector .”
Waweru notes that from their findings, there is no structured framework for public information, education, and communication to bring various actors on board in modernizing the transport sector.
“There is a need for the Nairobi Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (NaMATA) to roll out a comprehensive inclusive and proactive public participation as prescribed in the law to galvanise public understand and positive sentiments towards its plans.”
BRT will be a reliable mode of commuter transport planned to decongest the central business district, ease transport woes, reduce travel time as well as reduce air pollution.
NaMATA was established by President Uhuru Kenyatta on February 9, 2017. It covers Nairobi, Kiambu, Kajiado, Machakos and Murang’a counties.
The authority is mandated to establish an integrated, efficient, effective and sustainable public transport system.
