Key solutions were missing from Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero’s plan to ease traffic flow in the city, the Motorist Association of Kenya has said.
“Poor road designs, shortcomings of the public transport services, a failing traffic lights system, poor parking management, licensing of CBD routes, taxi ranks, and private car and human traffic management were not addressed,” said MAK chairman Peter Murima.
Murima further said in a statement on Tuesday that Kidero and Transport CS Michael Kamau ignored findings made on learning trips to Europe.
He said the Transport ministry is “squarely to blame” for snarl-ups in Nairobi and other cities, due to “official neglect and lack of proper timely planning”.
Murima recommended overpasses along Uhuru HIghway saying the removal of roundabouts is only a short term solution.
“These would be served by clover interchanging junctions where vehicles never meet. To avoid the pitfalls of Thika Superhighway and Mombasa Road, Outering construction should feature pedestrian tunnels and enough footbridges,” he said.
Noting that there are too many matatus in the city, he said a timing system should be adopted and rules on routes and bus stops toughened.
He asked the government to seal loopholes that allow incompetent drivers to get licenses and punish offenders.
On Monday, the county government suspended the licensing of all PSVs in Nairobi until a review of all routes and demand is undertaken to justify additional licenses.
Kidero and Kamau said the move would reduce traffic congestion caused by the high number of vehicles accessing the city.
Kidero said the University Way, Kenyatta Avenue, Haile Selassie Avenue, Bunyala and Lusaka and Westlands roundabouts will be abolished in three months.
A total of 21 junctions along Ngong Road, Argwings Kodhek Road, Haile Selassie Avenue, Jogoo Road, Mombasa Road, Lang’ata Road and Kiambu Road will also be improved during the period.
