Nairobi has moved a step closer to getting a modern mass transit system after the county cabinet approved the rollout of the first phase of the Nairobi Metropolitan Mass Rapid Transit System, a major transport project expected to ease traffic congestion, improve commuting and reshape how residents move around the city.
The decision was reached during the 90th meeting of the County Executive Committee, chaired by Governor Johnson Sakaja, giving the county the go-ahead to begin implementing the opening phase of the long-planned transport network. The project has been prepared through technical cooperation with the Executive Office of the President.
The first phase will centre on two of Nairobi's busiest transport corridors. It includes an underground rail section running beneath the Central Business District and the Eastlands Line, which is expected to serve thousands of daily commuters travelling to and from the city centre.
Governor Sakaja said the project marks the beginning of practical action to tackle the city's long-standing transport challenges, which continue to affect productivity and the daily lives of Nairobi residents.
"For far too long, the people of Nairobi, particularly our hard-working commuters from Eastlands and across the metropolitan area, have lost precious hours in traffic jams that slow down our economic growth," he said.
"Today, we are moving from planning to implementation. The approval of Phase I of the NMRTS is our commitment to delivering a modern, fast, safe and dignified public transport system. By integrating an underground CBD core with high-capacity links to Eastlands, we will unlock Nairobi's economic potential, lower the cost of transport and build a cleaner, greener and world-class city."
County officials say the underground section through the CBD is designed to reduce pressure on roads by shifting a large number of commuters below ground while connecting rail services with pedestrian routes and non-motorised transport through integrated transit terminals.
Apart from improving transport, the county expects the project to create thousands of employment opportunities during construction and after completion. It is also projected to lower carbon emissions, supporting Nairobi's environmental and climate targets.
The implementation proposal was presented to the County Executive Committee by Dr Silvester Kasuku, Governance Advisor in the Executive Office of the President, highlighting the joint effort between the national government and Nairobi City County in delivering the project.
Governor Sakaja said preparations for the second phase have already started. The expansion will extend the network to Westlands, Ngong Road and Lang'ata while also serving the growing commuter populations in Ongata Rongai, Ngong and Nairobi's western corridor.
The completed rail network will be linked with Nairobi's Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system through strategically placed interchange stations, allowing passengers to move easily between the two transport services.
The county government will now begin public participation, hold consultations with transport sector stakeholders and work with relevant agencies before the project officially breaks ground.