In Kenya, we wait for people to die then seek quick remedy. Not that nobody sees the problems, we like to look elsewhere thinking they will either disappear on their own or someone else will sort them out.
As we prevaricate, the underlying issues remain under addressed or non-addressed until our collective consciousness is pricked by a disaster or catastrophe.
When such occur then follows a largely reactionary, cosmetic meant-for-the-gallery streak that serves no useful purpose yet ends up gobbling quite a bit of our resources, which planning and execution would have saved.
The road sub-sector has remained in dire straits since Cabinet minister John Michuki left the Ministry of Transport. One would be excused for concluding that there's a concerted effort by the successive ministers to roll back the gains of the mercurial and results-oriented minister.
From the National Transport and Safety Authority to the Matatu Owners Association and the general public, the biggest challenge has been the lack of implementation spirit among the people tasked with that role.
Runaway corruption and lethargic members of the public who only see where and who to point fingers at but not their cardinal role of reporting the cases of misconduct on our roads undermine the implementation of sweeping new rules that could have put our road transport at par with countries such as Rwanda.
A lot more will need to be done in a short span of time so public transport can attract the car owners who cram our roads with one person in a car. Mass transport can only be a reality if the roads are sanitised.
Moreover, light rails will go a long way in connecting the estates with the CBD. The government is of late showing interest in the e-mobility sub-sector. More in terms of policy and financing will be needed.
EVs have many advantages despite the initial fears. These must be leveraged. Technology as a tool for managing the sector will come in handy. By now we should have a fully cashless paying system to weed out all the corrupt traffic marshals.
Economic and political analyst