Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has announced a Ksh8.7 billion deal with the US government which will see the county undertake key infrastructural projects including the stalled Bus Rapid Transit (BRT).
In a statement issued on Friday, Sakaja noted that his administration would be partnering with the Millenium Challenge Corporation (MCC), which will be acting on behalf of the US government in the mega project.
Sakaja made the announcement following his meeting with MCC's Deputy CEO Chidi Blyden at his office in Nairobi.
Apart from the BRT, various infrastructural developments such as the construction of walkways and cycle paths along roads will be undertaken under the partnership.
"Great hosting Ms. Chidi Blyden, the Deputy CEO of the Millenium Challenge Corporation. We are excited about our engagement with the Government of the United States of America through MCC which is partnering with us on a $ 60 million (Ksh8.7 billion) Threshold program for the people of Nairobi.
"The program spans transport and Land Use Development Planning for the City of Nairobi, walkways and cycle paths, Bus Rapid Transit financing, and commuter and pedestrian connectivity. On its successful completion, the program will give way to a much more intensive compact program for the City," read the statement in part.
The BRT project in the county has stalled since its inception in 2016. According to the government, the plan stalled mostly due to financial constraints and issues with the contractors. The infrastructure project was aimed at reducing traffic on key roads in Nairobi.
Some of the roads that were earmarked for the project include Thika Road, Jogoo Road, Ngong Road, and Waiyaki Way among others.
However, with the latest Ksh8.7 billion deal it is still not clear which route will be the first to be implemented. Timelines for the completion of the projects are also unknown.
Notably, in the Budget Policy Statement for the 2024/2025 financial year, the government is aiming to complete the Thika BRT after clearing outstanding bills with the contractor.
"Implementation of BRT on Thika road has been delayed due to a pending bill owed to the contractor once it is paid the contractor will come back on site," read the budget in part.
