Nairobi metropolitan transport designs to be ready next year

Last Updated 14 years ago by Kenya Engineer

The designs for the eight transport corridors for the Nairobi metropolitan area are currently under way according to AfDB Infrastructure Specialist George Makajuma. Speaking to journalists in Nairobi, he noted that the designs should be completed by the end of 2013.

“Actually construction could take up to ten years and will be completed in phases,” he said.

The AfDB said that it had already provided 5 million dollars for the feasibility and design of the metropolitan transit system. AfDB Infrastructure Specialist George Makajuma said that the project will include a light rail as well as a rapid bus system.

“The intention is to involve the private sector due to the enormous nature of the project,” Makajuma said.

Mr.Makajuma added that the government will concentrate on physical infrastructure while the private sector will operate the buses and locomotives. “Feasibility studies were completed last August,” he said.

AfDB has extended financial assistance of up to 3 billion dollars since it commenced operations in Kenya in 1967.Speaking during the launch of the Nairobi-Thika highway in Nairobi on Friday, AfDB President Donald Kaberuka said that the ultramodern superhighway would strongly contribute to the achievement of inclusive growth in the region by reducing the cost of doing business in Kenya.

“This road plays a critical role at several levels. It is first an important commercial and transport corridor. It is also part of the Great North Trans-African Highway (Cape Town to Cairo),” said Kaberuka.

Kaberuka reaffirmed the AfDB’s strong commitment to infrastructure development on the continent. “Infrastructure promotes trade and creates a conducive environment for business,” he added. Consequently, pollution resulting from vehicle emissions has considerably fallen.