The arrival of Major General Mohammed Badi has seen tangible developments being witnessed in Nairobi metropolitan regions as well as the Central Business District. By Gerald Gekara.
The government is on a mission to fully implement the Nairobi Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (NaMATA) recommendations inorder to improve movement within the city.
So far, agencies such as the Kenya Railways Corporation has revamped several etre gauge lines, to pave way for Spanish DMU trains expected to start operations later this year.
Alongside the development, the Nairobi Expressway project is at an advanced development stage inorder to beat its deadlines.
However, one that has elicited public debate, is the Bus Rapid Transport. Currently lanes are being created along major in-roads that access the CBD, to accomodate the imported high capacity buses.
The controversial BRT buses have been a constant pain among governments since the collapse of Nyayo buses, Stage coach and the now ‘matatu-rized’ Kenya Bus Services bus fleet.
Stage Cartels
However, will the iron rule of Badi thwart matatu cartels that have had the city under their belts shooting down any plans to move the well-over 500,000 PSVs operating within the City center?
Uzalendo News interviewed Kenyans on whether the planned proposal to decongest the city will help in reducing losses incurred in heavy traffic jams.
One Ken Maruru applauded the county government’s efforts urging other state industries to effect change inorder to accomodate the rising population.
“Change in all sectors eventually happens not just the matatu industry, we need to evolve with the change. There are regions not fully covered by them. There’s also opportunity to convert them for other services like couriers, school transport.” he added.
Ted also urged the NMS to consider more ways to return sanity back to the roads.
“If it will ease traffic congestion and bring sanity to the road then I’ll support this move. Let’s not make a big deal out of it before seeing the implementation process,” Ted said.
Unemployment and Lack of business
However, a section of those we asked, cautioned over looming job losses associated with support businesses and services.
Matatu stages such as Tea Room area next to Tom Mboya street have ballooned into huge business centers because of matatus that dock at the narrow streets.
Businesses such as; courier services, mobile money stalls, fuel stations, clothe boutiques, fast food joints and clubs will be adversely affected when the streets will be reduced to parking lots and empty streets.” Mary, a store owner lamented.
Tarino however has urged the NMS to consider coexistence inorder to save impending job losses from the youth who serve as stage loaders and touts.
“Now that I can see people supporting these buses, do you know how many people will be left jobless? No source of livelihood? Both matatu and this BRT can coexist if at all there can be proper structure and mechanisms. Let’s not see one side” she added.
