This archive report was first published on 18 October 2019.
On October 18, 2019, European lenders made a significant pledge to support Kenya's Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, committing up to KSh 23 billion to enhance the country's transport system.
The European Investment Bank, the EU, and the French Development Agency will provide loans and grants to support the BRT system. The European Investment Bank will offer a loan of between KSh 5.8 to KSh 11.5 billion, while the European Union will provide a grant of KSh 5.2 billion. Agence Francaise de Development (AFD) will provide the remaining amount.
The BRT system is expected to significantly reduce traffic jams in Kenya. For instance, the recently launched JKIA-Westlands Expressway's BRT system can move as many as 28,800 people each day.
However, despite promises from legislators, the BRT system has yet to make significant progress on the ground. The only visible sign of the rapid transit system is a red line laying dormant on Thika Superhighway.
The government faces a significant challenge in preparing Nairobi's infrastructure for the BRT system, including developing a plan to relocate the 2000 people encroaching the road reserves.
