This archive report was first published on 7 July 2021.
Published on July 7, 2021, the Nairobi Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system is set to be a game-changer in the city's transportation sector. According to Charles Hinga, the permanent secretary in the State Department of Housing and Urban Development, only electric buses will be allowed to use the system.
Mr. Hinga revealed that the fabrication of stations is ongoing, with park 'n' ride facilities, bus depots, and a command centre under construction. The electric buses will be procured via a public-private partnership (PPP).
The BRT system will be fully operated by the private sector, with a private firm set to run 300 BRT buses from next February in a 12-year concession. Francis Gitau, the acting director-general of the Nairobi Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, confirmed this.
The system's design ensures universal access, with ramps and lifts for wheelchairs. Pick-up and drop-off points are linked to footbridges, serving as BRT stations along islands between the carriageways. This eliminates the need for passengers to cross lanes, reducing the risk of accidents.
