Transport CS James Macharia has today commissioned a one stop Railway service to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, triggering fears over reduced customers for taxi drivers. – By Gerald Gekara.
The Nairobi Commuter Rail -JKIA Express Service will combine Rail and Road for users going to and from the Airport.
In the new commute route, passengers will board an express train from the Nairobi Central station, which will terminate at the Embakasi Village station. The occupants will then board a dedicated Kenya Railways Commuter bus to the airport.
The new route will be an added measure to reduce traffic along the busy Uhuru Highway.
The move has however not swallowed well with taxi operators, who operate within the airport premises.
The drivers say the move was out to minimize businesses held by private entities that have long controlled transport to and from the airport terminus.
The project will complement the Nairobi Expressway which once complete, will provide an express connection from the JKIA to Waiyaki Way. This will greatly reduce traffic along the busy Mombasa Road.
The project is set for completion in 2022, and according to the China Road and Bridge Construction (CRBC) the project may be completed earlier than the set deadline.
