Mombasa County government, under Governor Hassan Ali Joho has suspended the new traffic system that was introduced on Wednesday, February 2.
On Tuesday, February 8, Transport CEC Tawfiq Balala announced that the model dubbed Double 2 Double would be halted at midnight on the same day.
He admitted that the trial period had faced numerous challenges including disrupting traffic, causing congestion and stiff opposition from various sectors, including the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA).
"Today is the seventh day (since the new system took effect) and I want to thank all Mombasa residents for their patience and allowing us to assess how we can improve on traffic management.
"Today is the last day of the one-way system that we introduced. We shall revert to the old model - the two way system, from tomorrow, February 9," he stated.
Balala further noted that the decision to suspend the new rules was informed by feedback given by majority of the Coastal town residents.
"We received response from two sides. Those who supported and differed. We, as the Mombasa County Government, ought to listen to everyone," he added.
The trial period had initially been slated to last for 10 days rather than a week.
Joho's Double 2 Double saw some roads converted into one way routes. The new system also barred trucks from entering the CBD between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Road users and motorists complained that since the onset, traffic snarl-up worsened despite the presence of marshals.
KeNHA asked the county to roll out the new system in phases instead.
“We spoke with the transport executive and he assured us that they will enforce the system in phases.
“I expect chaos in the first weeks owing to it being a new model. A lot of drivers will find themselves on the wrong side of the lane but we have our traffic marshals and traffic police in every junction to guide those with challenges,” KeNHA Coast Deputy Regional Director, Howard M’mayi stated after motorists called on the agency to intervene.
Below is the video:
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