Makadara Railway Station launched set to combat traffic congestion

Last Updated 13 years ago by Kenya Engineer

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga on Monday officially opened Sh455 million Makadara Railway Station located along Jogoo Road, a project set to combat traffic congestion.  The facility which targets 5,000 commuters from Buru Buru, Jogoo Road, Jerusalem, Jericho, Uhuru and Hamza Estates will be served by the Syokimau train. 

Hon. Raila called for an efficient, reliable and safe transport system. Mr. Raila thanked the president for inviting him to officiate a State function, saying it was an honor. He said poor planning had seen Nairobi, especially the city centre, clogged with traffic jams leading to loss of economic opportunities that run into millions of shillings in just a single day. “While this has been happening in Nairobi, other cities in the region have been investing in urban infrastructure,” he added.

He said the city’s potential is crippled by lack of adequate infrastructure, overcrowded roads, rising population, pollution and a congested airport.

“To attract business to our country, we must invest in a transport system that is efficient, reliable, predictable and safe,” said Mr.  Raila. 

Mr. Raila urged the national and county governments to invest in efficient and safe public transport system which can be used by all, including cabinet secretaries, governors and senators to and from work, adding that the country should plan for further expansions with an eye on the future needs of the country decades from now.

“We need to invest in roads with space for cyclists, Tuk Tuks, Boda Boda and pedestrians, in sanitation, in safe public parks, in water bodies, in airports and modern railway stations,” said Mr. Raila. 

“The contribution of Prime Minister, Raila to the country’s development cannot go unnoticed as the country gears up for the Kenya@50 celebrations. Honorable Raila is here courtesy of an invitation from the President in recognition of his contribution to the country’s development,” said the Cabinet secretary for Transport and Infrastructure, Eng. Michael Kamau was also in attendance.

The Makadara station marks the second project completed with regard to decongest traffic in Nairobi after the Syokimau station which was launched in November 13, 2012 by the former President, Mwai Kibaki whom Eng. Kamau also mentioned would today inaugurate Ring Road in Westlands today among other road infrastructures in the area. Tomorrow, Hon. Kibaki’s predecessor, Daniel Moi is also set to launch the Imara Daima Railway station.