Ngatia roots for tram transit system to end Nairobi traffic congestion

Freeing Nairobi from long traffic congestion has proved to be a difficult promise to keep.

The past two administrations, despite pledging to do so, have failed to give the Nairobians a reprieve they have been yearning for in the transport sector.

From the attempted ban of matatus from the Central Business District (CBD) to the construction of new bus termini outside the city centre, the heavy traffic menace has remained a thorny issue to date.

Estimates from Kenya National Highway Authority (KeNHA) indicate that Nairobi losses Sh50 million daily due to traffic jams.

Nairobi governor aspirant Richard Ngatia is now promising a lifetime solution to this traffic challenge if elected governor of Nairobi.

The governor aspirant says introducing a tram system in the city is the real deal that the previous administrations have failed to take notice of.

A tram is a rail line operated by electricity-powered tramcars on tramways in public urban streets.

The tramcars are designed to travel shorter distances in urban streets, and they share the road with other vehicles.

Ngatia, who is the former president of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), said that the tram system will not only help ease traffic congestion but also reduce carbon emissions and keep Nairobi safe from air pollution.

“My administration will prioritize mass public transport in Nairobi. Besides a better road network, the tram system will reduce significantly the time of travel from one point to the other," Ngatia noted.

By design, tramcars allow motorists, pedestrians and cyclists to freely circulate around them or on their rail line when not in use depending on the manner in which the vehicles are attached to overhead electrical cables.

Further, the system will allow efficient utilization of space where one tram vehicle will replace about 40 private cars.

Other features include an onboard fare collection system (if charging) and open station stops.

Ngatia, however, said the system will be free of charge and saves passengers the hustle to pay fares.

“Commuters in Nairobi have been digging deep into their pockets just to use public transport. But with the tram system, it will be free and accessible to all,” Ngatia said.

“The idea is to have matatus from the estates dropping passengers away from the CBD and onward board the train that will have a regular schedule of arrival and departure," he added.

Ngatia revealed that the tram system project will be a Private Initiated Project (PIP) which will allow the government to benefit from the knowledge and ideas of the private sector. 

The private developer will be expected to fund the project as is the case with the ongoing Nairobi Expressway project.

If successfully implemented, Kenya will join countries like Ethiopia, Algeria, Mauritius, Morocco, Tunisia, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Ukraine and France where the tram system is already in use.

Currently, the Government is implementing the long-awaited Bus Rapid Transit system (BRT) in an effort to decongest the city.

The pilot phase which will run from Kennol through Thika–Ruiru-Nairobi CBD-Langata Road-Bomas to Rongai is set to start in July this year. It will cost a minimum fee of Sh150 to use the BRT.

Once operational, BRT Line 2 will need 660 high capacity electric buses, with the government expected to procure 100 in the next few months.

The high capacity electric buses are expected to reduce the cost of public transport, as well as the country's carbon footprint.