•MCA Alai's motion calls for the implementation of a comprehensive system, including Bus Rapid Transport (BRT), underground Metro, Light Rail Transit (LRT), and public vehicles like buses and motorbikes, to ease movement across the city.
•Last year, the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) called on bidders to apply for the Sh8.4 billion tender for the Nairobi Intelligent Transport System (ITS) phase one project.
Image: FILE
Nairobi's Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai has proposed a motion seeking to improve transportation in the City county by developing an integrated transport management system.
In a notice of motion on Thursday, Alai emphasized the necessity of seamless mobility for economic growth.
He highlighted the success of subway systems in Europe as an inspiration for Nairobi's development.
"Increasing transportation efficiency is crucial for transforming our city into an economic powerhouse," he stated.
His motion calls for the implementation of a comprehensive system, including Bus Rapid Transport (BRT), underground Metro, Light Rail Transit (LRT), and public vehicles like buses and motorbikes, to ease movement across the city.
Alai's initiative stems from concern over Nairobi's congestion issues, highlighted in a 2022 report by the Kenya Urban Roads Authority.
Nairobi's traffic congestion costs the city billions annually, impacting both fuel consumption and productivity.
To address these challenges, Alai suggests the installation of an underground metro and LRT, providing efficient connectivity to urban centres, residential areas, and businesses.
This proposal aligns with recent government efforts, including the approval of the Nairobi Intelligent Transport System (ITS) by President William Ruto's cabinet.
The ITS aims to modernize traffic management, reducing reliance on human interventions and streamlining penalty enforcement for traffic offences.
Nairobi's ambition to become a continental hub for business and leisure necessitates modern transportation solutions.
Alai's motion represents a significant step towards realizing this vision.
Last year, the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) called on bidders to apply for the Sh8.4 billion tender for the Nairobi Intelligent Transport System (ITS) phase one project.
An ITS is a system in which information and communication technologies are applied in managing road transport and infrastructure.
It uses intelligent cameras, variable timing traffic lights and a control centre to observe and control traffic, thereby reducing the burden on traffic police officers.
Kura revealed that Kenya has received a Sh8.4 billion loan from the Export-Import Bank of Korea.
The funds will be used for phase one of the project.
The project, according to the Director General Silas Kinoti led authority, involves implementing a detailed design and construction of civil works for rehabilitation and improvement of 25 junctions to meet the adequate capacity for traffic demand.
Also, completion of the detailed design of the Traffic Management Center (TMC) building and implement the construction works with furniture, equipment and other facilities to operate the TMC building.
The ITS project also involves supplying and installing hardware and software to house its equipment and operate the new traffic management system at the TMC building.
“The project will involve the installation of ITS field equipment including traffic signal, signal control le, intersection, Surveillance camera and vehicle enforcement system in 25 junctions, 6 vehicle detection system, variable messages, a surveillance system comprising 20 closed circuit TV ( CCTV) cameras and communication network,” reads the notice.
The project shall be completed within 30 months from the commencement date as announced by the authority.
After the project is complete, the contractor shall dispatch experts for 2 years to support and assist the employer’s sustainable operations and maintenance.