The government, through the Ministry of Transport, has announced that four roads in Nairobi CBD will remain closed on Friday starting 8am until 4pm.
The roads include; Harambee Avenue, City Hall Way, Taifa Road and Mama Ngina Street.
Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia revealed that the state had resolved to use the move as a pilot phase for the upcoming car-free days for Wednesdays and Saturdays.
He further explained that the pilot is expected to last for a few weeks and if successful, the programme would be extended to Moi Avenue, Haile Selassie, University way and Uhuru highway.
“The purpose of this exercise is to see how we can start freeing up the CBD so that it is easier moving in and out,” stated Macharia.
He also revealed that the purpose of the test was to discourage people from driving their cars to work but if they have to, then there shall be designated parking in the periphery of the CBD.
He further divulged that the state will also bar bodaboda's, tuktuks and bicycles from using the designated streets.
“The pilot project is expected to go on for a few weeks but if it goes so well, we will move on to the next phase as quickly as possible.
“We will also be moving to satellite towns such as Westlands and Upper Hill to introduce the same concept because they too have the same problems,” he continued.
Macharia, on Monday, announced a proposal to have motorists prohibited from entering the CBD on Wednesdays and Saturdays to allow hawkers use the streets during the two days.
Apart from easing congestion in the CBD, the move is also expected to increase government revenue.
