Gov't Declares Wednesdays, Saturdays Car-Less Days in Nairobi

Transport and Infrastructure Cabinet Secretary James Macharia has announced a move to block cars from Nairobi Central Business District on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Speaking to the media on Monday, CS Macharia says the move will be implemented beginning February 1st even as 64 Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) buses are set to arrive in the country next month from South Africa.

Macharia says that during the two car-free days, hawkers will be allowed to sell their goods in the vehicle parking lots within the city center.

He further says the government is in the process of acquiring 11 commuter trains from Spain, for use alongside the BRT buses.

"We have given local manufacturers the templates for the buses. After the pilot programme, the private sector can work with them to manufacture the remaining buses," he says.

He also says the government will later acquire 20 more commuter trains and BRT buses for the plan.

Late last year, the European Union announced a grant of Sh5 billion to go towards the Nairobi BRT project.

“One thing that Nairobi needs is an effective bus rapid transport system. That is why EU has invested Sh5 billion grant to make sure Nairobi residents have a safe, none polluting transport system devoid of jams,” said EU Ambassador to Kenya Stefano Dejak.