Nairobi's Failed Transport System: A Look Back at 14 Years of Struggle
For 14 years now, Nairobi has been struggling with its chaotic transport system - but what can be done about it? This article takes a look back at where we started from and explores potential solutions moving forward including initiatives like Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) as well as proposals for getting PSVs out of the CBD area altogether.
Jan. 12, 2023 9:14AM
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An illustration depicting chaos in Nairobi's streets due to its failed transport system
For the past 14 years, Nairobi has been struggling to bring order to its chaotic transport system. The debate over getting PSVs out of the city's CBD is just one example of this ongoing struggle. But how did we get here? Nairobi's traffic woes are not a new phenomenon. In fact, they have been around since the early 2000s when the city began experiencing rapid population growth and urbanization. This influx of people put a strain on existing infrastructure and services, leading to congestion and overcrowding in public spaces such as bus stops and roads. The government has tried various solutions over the years, from introducing dedicated bus lanes to banning certain types of vehicles from entering certain areas during peak hours. However, these measures have largely failed due to lack of enforcement or inadequate resources for implementation. In recent years, there has been an increased focus on improving public transportation in Nairobi with initiatives such as Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) being implemented across different parts of the city. While these efforts have made some progress in reducing traffic congestion and providing more efficient transportation options for commuters, they have yet to solve all of Nairobi's transport problems. One major issue that remains unresolved is getting PSVs out of the CBD area altogether – something that many experts believe is necessary if any real progress is going to be made in terms of reducing traffic congestion and improving safety for pedestrians and cyclists alike. This proposal has met with strong opposition from PSV operators who argue that it would put them out of business as well as from commuters who rely on these services for their daily commute. Ultimately, it seems that solving Nairobi's transport woes will require a multi-pronged approach involving both government intervention and private sector investment – something that will take time but could ultimately lead to a better future for everyone living in this vibrant city.