Yes, literary guys brace yourselves for new looks and operations of the Nairobi CBD in the coming year. I was having this conversation with a certain driver and he bluntly asked me if ill manage next year in Nairobi with the type of shoes I was wearing that day. Being the curious person that I am I went on and asked him a few questions and also researched more about it. And if you are curious why we will be needing more of our sneakers just like me, allow me to serve you with the tea.

I’m sure you’ve all seen the ongoing developments going rounds in the CBD. NMS has been carrying out numerous projects to change the landscape and design of Nairobi with the refurbishment of different roads within the city Centre. NMS has been collaborating with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to decongest the CBD by constructing multiple bus stations on the outskirts.

The pedestrian walkways in Nairobi CBD

The project is part of the expected introduction of Mass Rapid Transport corridors to address persistent congestion in the capital city, including the already launched commuter rail services, non-motorized transport, and BRT corridors. NAMATA published the 12 mobility corridors connecting Ngong town, Kenol, Ruai, JKIA, Limuru, Muranga, Kiambu, and Konza city. Also, they’ll be the installation of electronic systems, which will be used to control operations of the terminus.

The Nairobi Metropolitan Services announces that Matatus will shift from Central Business District in phases, as the first bus terminal is expected to be finished by January.

The Routes Includes:

• At the junction of Bunyala and Workshop Road, the new terminal which is still under construction, PSVs from Mombasa Road (South B, South C, Industrial Area, Imara Daima, Athi River, Kitengela, Machakos) will terminate.
• From Waiyaki Way, Uhuru Highway, Kipande, and Limuru roads, the Fig Tree terminus at Ngara will be used to serve matatus from that route.
• Ngong and Lang’ata road PSVs (Kawangware, Kikuyu, Kibera, Lang’ata, Rongai, Kiserian) will end at Green Park, commonly referred to as the Railways Club, whose terminal is almost complete.
• The new Desai- Park Road terminal will serve the PSVs from Mt Kenya and those who come by the Thika Superhighway.
• It is expected that the Muthurwa terminal will stay in use as PSVs from Jogoo and Lusaka Road.

What does this mean for us?

The congestion in Nairobi CBD is mostly brought by the PSVs originating from the city center. The current system makes it more costly and time-consuming for cross-town trips. Locating the bus station outskirts means less congestion and also less traffic. The project will boost connectivity and promote the use of non-polluting modes, more footpaths, special cycle dedicated routes.

The proposed ban on matatu would increase the average walking time for passengers which is due to the transfers of terminals. The increased walking time for passengers with children, people with disabilities, and baggage transporters would be especially difficult. (hence the driver commenting on my shoes.)

Media reports have described the possibilities of buses to ferry passengers from one terminal to another – however such services would result in longer transfers waiting time and extra costs, including passengers inconvenience.

Mobility is a major challenge in Nairobi, Over the years, many unsuccessful attempts have been made to limit access to public transport in the town center. According to statistics, Just a few passengers in Nairobi drive by car, as opposed to the rest who use public transportation, yet the focus is always on public transportation.

The city could also apply steps to prevent the use of private cars. Based on demand, parking rates could be set, providing an incentive for car users to avoid city areas that face the most congestion. Enhanced parking management will also raise funds that could be invested in a public transport system that is open, efficient, and fair.

We have lots of questions concerning this project i.e. will the system be affordable? but we’ll just have to wait till it is implemented, then we will find the answers. I’d love to know what your thoughts and questions are concerning the changes.

And Happy holidays to you🎄. We hope that the new year brings us more happiness, creativity, and a better human condition in our urban areas. We appreciate the constant support you guys have been showing us by subscribing and sharing the content.

See Yah Next Year!