Government plans to close Nairobi roads on Friday for pilot project on proposed car free days

Gov't plans to close Nairobi roads on Friday

Mumbi Mutuko

January 29, 2019 3:57 PM

Prepare to walk on Friday

Kenyans walk after the ban of matatus from the CBD took effect

As the government plans to conduct a pilot project for the proposed car-free days, various roads will be shut down on Friday.

Harambee Avenue, City Hall Way, Taifa Road and Mama Ngina Street will be closed as the first BRT bus is expected to arrive in a bid to decongest the city.

Kenyans walk after the ban of matatus from the CBD took effect Pulse Live Kenya

On Tuesday, Transport Cabinet Secretary, James Macharia announced that the roads will be closed on February 1 (Friday) between 8am and 4pm.

Traders

This according to the CS will be in order to free up space for residents to walk as well as allow traders to set up shop to sell their wares.

CS Macharia said that the pilot project, which is expected to continue for the next few weeks, would only affect a small area of the Central Business District.

The CS emphasised that any form of a motor vehicle including Boda bodas, Tuk Tuks and bicycles will not be allowed on the designated streets.

Extention

He further noted that if the pilot project will be successful it would be extended to Moi Avenue, University way Haile Selassie and Uhuru Highway.

“The purpose of this exercise is to see how we can start freeing up the CBD so that it is easier moving in and out," said CS Macharia.

Thika Road will now have a dedicated lane to be used by Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) Pulse Live Kenya

"Our objective is to discourage people from using their vehicles so if you can leave your vehicle at home the better but if you have to come to the City, once we implement the initiative there will be designated parking areas at the periphery of the City,” he added.

On Monday, the Nairobi Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (NAMATA) announced that the City would have two car-free days in a week namely, Wednesday and Saturday.

Mumbi Mutuko