President Kenyatta unveils high tech system to ease traffic

President Uhuru Kenyatta has unveiled the new commuter train system aimed at easing the hectic, Nairobi traffic jam 

The launch happened on Tuesday November 10 when the President announced that the Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) and and Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) will partner in constructing a traffic management centre at City Cabanas, Nairobi. 

Traffic management will involve the use of sensors, cameras, data anonymization to provide synchronised signals at 100 new junctions. Data anonymization protects the subjects' privacy. 

NMS also plans to ease congestion in the capital through repairing, recarpeting and constructing roads. 

The agency will also be in charge of the convergence of the new high-tech system with additional traffic lights. 25 additional traffic intersections will also be redesigned and signalized. 

The President also revealed that NMS is implementing a non-motorised transport master plan which is part of the Nairobi Urban Mobility Plan.

He said, "NMS has constructed an elaborate network of footpaths interconnecting various transport termini and the Central Business District (CBD), established footpaths within CBD as well as improved bus and secure bicycle paths."

Kenyatta assured Kenyans that the matatu terminus that NMS has constructed will not only make travel easy but also revive businesses. 

"It has also constructed a matatu terminus at the Nairobi Central Station to compliment bicycle lanes across the city. Dreams will be empowered, businesses will be revived to prosper and travel will be made easier," he added. 

Kenyatta also said that with the new train system the number of commuters will increase to 40,000 from 15,000 daily. 

The number of passengers will increase 130,000 daily with additional infrastructure such as track lines and locomotives. 

Nairobi estates between the CBD and Kikuyu, Kitengela, Thika, Syokimau and Embakasi Areas will be served by the units. 

Phase two of the project will be within the existing railway corridor extending commuter rail services to Thika, Limuru, and Lukenya.

Phase three will be within new railway corridors targeting the outlying satellite towns such as Ongata Rongai, Kiserian, Ngong, Kiambu, Ruai and Kangemi.

The government is also working on the expansion of the road network through the construction of Nairobi Expressway, Western and Eastern bypasses and the expansion of Waiyaki Way to an expressway to ease Nairobi traffic.