Economy

Work together to solve traffic jams, Uhuru tells Sonko and Macharia

uhuru

President Uhuru Kenyatta receives keys for construction equipment from the Ambassador of Japan to Kenya, Toshitsugu Uesawa, during commissioning of Ngong Road Phase II dualling on March 22, 2018. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU | NMG

President Uhuru Kenyatta has directed Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko and Transport Secretary James Macharia to find a solution to the capital's congestion problems.

Mr Kenyatta said Thursday that it is unacceptable to see city residents stranded in traffic jams while others spend the night in the cold because of poorly maintained roads and clogged drainage systems.

The directive comes after heavy rains pounding the country over the last two weeks have seen at least 15 people killed and several families spending nights in the cold after their homes were destroyed.

“I now direct my Cabinet Secretary, because you are the one I can give orders to, to work together with Sonko. Next year we do not want to see people being carried away with flash floods because you are unable to open drainage systems in Nairobi,” he said while officiating the launch of Phase II of the Ngong Road dualing project.

The president also ordered the two leaders to expedite commencement of an ambitious Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) plan projected to bring to an end incessant transport issues suffered by Nairobi dwellers.

The Nairobi Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (Namata) said earlier this month that Kenya is looking to adopt Colombia's BRT system to improve the city's public transport network.

READ: Agency lays out rapid bus transit plan to decongest Nairobi

“Nairobi residents are tired on transport and infrastructure issues. Sonko you know that we promised them that we will transform their lives if they give us a chance...We want Kenyans to be given a reliable, efficient and affordable means of public transport...that is now your work Macharia...working hand in hand with Sonko.”