NMS Sets Deadline to Kick Matatus Out of CBD

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Nairobi Metropolitan Services boss Mohamed Badi addresses President Uhuru Kenyatta on June 30, 2020, at Harambee House Nairobi while releasing a report of his first 100 days in office
PSCU

The Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) boss Mohammed Badi has indicated that matatus will not be allowed to access the Central Business District (CBD) from November 2020.

Badi, who was appearing before the National Assembly Committee on Administration and National Security on Tuesday, September 8, stated that the move was part of the plans to decongest Nairobi.

Once complete, the NMS boss indicated that President Uhuru Kenyatta would launch the de-congestion plan.

Matatu Bus Stop Sign at GPO Stage, Along Kenyatta Avenue in Nairobi. Monday, October 21, 2019
Matatu Bus Stop Sign at GPO Stage, Along Kenyatta Avenue in Nairobi. Monday, October 21, 2019
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Badi indicated that a bus station would be built in Ngara and Parklands for all vehicles plying along Thika road while those coming from Machakos and Lang’ata would have a stage at the Kenya Railway Golf Club.

Further, the committee heard that traffic on Haile Selassie Avenue to Jogoo Road would be maintained by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KenHA) who would build an expressway from the Kenya Planters Cooperative Union (KPCU) building to Jogoo road. 

In addition, Badi disclosed that the bus rapid transit (BRT) system would be operational by the end of September 2020.

The BRT corridors are marked by red lines and the first line will run from James Gichuru Road at the Waiyaki Way junction to JKIA.

Line 2 will run from Lang’ata Road to Ngong Road, Juja Road, Komarock Road to Ruiru and will have stops at Dandora, Kariobangi and near Gikomba market.

Line 3 will run from Githurai through Thika Road to Moi Avenue in the CBD and terminate at Kenyatta National Hospital.

 Line 4 will be from T-Mall to Jogoo Road, while Line 5 will cover Outering Road.

Badi is not the first leader in the city who has tried to decongest it. Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko and former county boss Evans Kidero, also tried and failed.

In 2018, Nairobi City County Government with full support from the National Government, banned Public Transport Vehicles from the Nairobi Central Business District.

The directive created major challenges for commuters including senior citizens with health challenges, individuals in need of emergency medical attention, expectant mothers and children traveling with their parents.

Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko speaking to journalists at KICC on August 21, 2020
Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko speaking to journalists at KICC on August 21, 2020
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