The National Treasury has disclosed that the government is lagging in the implementation of Nairobi’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) due to financial and policy constraints.
According to a recent report by the treasury, the Nairobi Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (NaMATA) is yet to conclude several procedures to see the effective execution of the project.
The Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is a bus-based public transport system designed to provide faster, more efficient, and more reliable service compared to regular buses.
This system combines elements of traditional bus services with features typically found in metro or light rail systems.
The National Treasury claims that NaMATA is yet to finish the construction of BRT Line 2 and associated facilities, and the development and review of BRT designs, as well as other transport plans.
According to the report, the targets of the projects have not yet been achieved due to various factors, including resolving payment of pending bills to the contractor, leading to the suspension of works.
Other reasons, according to the report, include the extended discussions with the development partners due to changes in the US Government Policy on foreign assistance.
Last year, the government secured Ksh7.6 billion through a loan from the Korean Export-Import Bank under the Economic Development Cooperation Fund to see the commencement of the project.
The funds were to cater for the construction of the BRT Line 5 will be a major upgrade to the city's infrastructure, providing dedicated lanes for high-capacity buses along a 10.5 km stretch from the Eastern Bypass to the Thika Superhighway.
The project was set to commence in January 2025, according to the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), which had already called for tenders for the construction.
The project included constructing 13 BRT stations, three river bridges, two overpass bridges, and various footbridges for pedestrians.
Additionally, street lighting, landscaping, and a new drainage system were to be installed to support the project, as well as the integration of advanced traffic management systems to improve the road’s safety and functionality.
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