KURA to set up Sh7.3bn Bus Rapid Transport line on Outer Ring road

Eastlands Oute Ring Road will soon have major development after the Kenya Urban Roads Authority announced the Sh7.3 billion (USD 56 million) Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) Line 5 will be implemented in the next two years.

KURA Director General Silas Kinoti on Wednesday, stated that the BRT Line 5 will run along Outer Ring Road, from Taj Mall to Allsops, connecting with Thika Road.

"The project is designed to address some of the key challenges Nairobi faces, including traffic congestion and high carbon emissions, while also improving mobility accessibility and safety for citizens," Kinoti noted.

The project is financed through a loan from the Korean Exim Bank and will be carried out in collaboration with the South Korean Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF).

This week, KURA is conducting public participation of the project to gather community feedback.

Already one was held in Kamukunji on Tuesday and other meetings will be held on September 12, 2024, at the Redeemed Gospel Church in Kware, Embakasi South, and on September 13, 2024, at KAG Fedha off Outer Ring Road, starting at 9 am.

In a stakeholder meeting at the Deputy County Commissioner's Office in Embakasi West Sub County, KURA revealed that the BRT project aims to tackle key issues like traffic congestion and high carbon emissions, while also improving safety and accessibility for residents.

The 10.4 km route will feature dedicated bus lanes, five bridges, a 1.4-meter underpass, and 10 BRT stations.

The project will also include advanced infrastructure such as a bus depot, electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, and high-tech amenities like vehicle tracking and fare collection systems. A Vehicle Enforcement System (VES) and CCTV surveillance will ensure passenger safety along the entire line.

Construction bids

KURA is preparing to advertise for construction bids, with the bidding process expected to close by the end of October 2024. Construction is scheduled to begin early next year.

The BRT system aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide a cost-effective, efficient mode of transport for Nairobi's diverse population aimed at providing a more sustainable and technologically advanced public transportation system in Nairobi.

BRT is part of the Nairobi Integrated Urban Development Master Plan, which is being implemented to end vehicular congestion in the CBD.

To decongest the city, the Nairobi Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (NAMATA) gazetted five BRT lines, which are in different phases of development.

Line 1, Ndovu, runs from Limuru-Kangemi-CBD-Imara Daima-Athi River and Kitengela.

Line 2, Simba, runs from Rongai-Bomas-Langata Road-CBD-Ruiru-Thika and Kenol. It is 70 per cent complete and will be implemented in two pilot phases.

Phase one will start from Kasarani to Kenyatta National Hospital while the second phase will begin from Ruiru and terminate at KNH.

Line 2 will consist of 13 intermediate stations with 24 platforms.

A park-and-ride facility is also being erected at Kasarani. It will enable motorists heading to the CBD to leave their vehicles and use BRT buses for the remainder of the journey.

Line 3, Chui, runs from Tala-Njiru-Dandora (Juja Road)-CBD-Show Ground (Ngong Road) and Ngong.

Line 4, Kifaru, comprises of East and West. The East one runs from Mama Lucy Hospital-Donholm (Jogoo Road)-CBD.

The West one runs from CBD- T Mall-Bomas-Karen and Kikuyu.