Kenya is rolling out intelligent traffic lights in a bid to reduce traffic jams

david nganga

February 2, 2018 2:00 PM

The lights are fitted with motion sensors and cameras, which base their color change on traffic flow

Kenya is set to roll out intelligent traffic lights in Nairobi later this month as it seeks to drastically reduce traffic jams in the city.

The new traffic light system is already being tested in some roads in Nairobi and is expected to ensure smooth traffic flow during rush hours.

The lights are fitted with motion sensors and cameras, which base their color change on traffic flow unlike the current ones that use timers.

Nicholas Airo, the Director of the company implementing the system, NAS International, in December said the system will soon be operational in three intersections on Ngong Road, the Kileleshwa By-Pass, with junctions from Industrial Area to Ring Road Parklands also in the pipeline.

Kenya registers on average, 10,000 vehicles on an annual basis. As a result, traffic management is a persistent challenge for authorities even with the joint manpower between police traffic and county traffic marshals.

In addition to reducing road congestion, the traffic system is expected to promote road safety and curb violation of traffic rules.

Intelligent Traffic System (ITS) has been used to manage traffic in countries like Germany, USA, Austria, Russia, Switzerland, Denmark, Sweden, UAE, Israel, Italy, Turkey, South Africa, Canada, Saudi Arabia among other nations.

david nganga