Nairobi’s public transport system is set for a major transformation with the approval of a Ksh43.4 billion Clean Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project by the Kenyan Cabinet. Financed through a €320 million package from the EU, the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), and the European Investment Bank, the project aims to connect Ngong Town and Tala while enhancing transport reliability and efficiency.
Key features of the Clean BRT include cashless fare collection, real-time passenger information, GPS-based vehicle tracking, and park-and-ride facilities. This modern system will be managed by the Nairobi Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (NaMATA) and is expected to serve 357,000 passengers daily using electric buses by 2035, according to a Cabinet press release.
The construction will occur in phases, with the first covering 12 kilometers from Kenyatta National Hospital to Dandora. Subsequent phases will extend the network to Tala and Ngong. Beyond providing efficient transport, the project is part of the Nairobi County government’s broader plan to improve pedestrian infrastructure, integrate smart traffic technologies, and promote non-motorized transport.
While the Clean BRT project offers promising benefits like reduced commute times and lower greenhouse gas emissions, challenges remain. Contractors who had completed work worth Ksh2.9 billion as of December last year have faced delayed payments, leading to project stalls and increased costs.
Governor Sakaja Johnson described the project as a transformative milestone, stating, “Cleaner, safer, and more efficient transportation will uplift the livelihoods of millions of Nairobians.”
This initiative is aligned with Nairobi’s vision of modern, sustainable urban transport—a development that complements construction and infrastructure growth in the region.
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