The Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, which aims to revolutionise Nairobi’s transportation, is well on course.
The State Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Principal Secretary (PS), Charles Hinga, has voiced hope, noting the ongoing renovation of the Thika motorway.
Only electrical buses will be permitted on the road, according to the PS.
“We are making good progress. The fabrication of stations is ongoing, and park ‘n’ ride facilities, bus depots, a command centre are all under construction. Electric buses will be procured via a public-private partnership (PPP),” said PS. Hinga.
Pick-up and drop-off areas are linked to footbridges that will act as BRT stations.
The stations have been planned in such a way that passengers will not have to worry about crossing lanes because they will enter and depart through the footbridge.
Commuters will also have limited room to slide or sneak through highways under the new strategy.
Nairobi BRT Routes
The Nairobi Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (NAMATA) unveiled five routes within Nairobi County estates; Ndovu Line, Simba Line, Chui Line, Kifaru Line and Nyati Line.
Ndovu Line. – Kangemi – Imara Daima
Ndovu Line will begin its schedule at Kangemi, all the way to Embakasi’s Imara Daima estate.
Simba Line – Bomas – T-mall – CBD – Thika Rd – Ruiru
Simba line runs from Bomas of Kenya through Blue Sky/TMall (Umoja) to Nairobi CBD then passes through Thika Road to Ruiru.
Chui Line. Njiru – CBD – Kibera
Chui Line starts at Njiru (Kasarani) to Showground (Kibera) and passes through Nairobi CBD.
Kifaru Line. Mama Lucy (Umoja) – Donholm – CBD – Karen – Kikuyu
Kifaru Line serves commuters from Mamam Lucy, passes through Donholm, CBD, TMall, Bomas, Karen, to Kikuyu.
Nyati Line. Ridgeways (Kiambu road) – Allsops – Imara Daima
Nyati Line links Ridgeways (Kiambu Road), Balozi (Allsops) to Imara Daima estate.
The BRT buses are a key addition to the commuter rails system installed by the Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS).
Other efforts to decongest include refurbishment of bus termini located outside the CBD. Currently, works at the Green Bus Park, Bunyala Terminus, Muthurwa and Globe Cinema are nearing completion.
