Nairobi has launched a significant pilot phase of its Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, introducing scheduled buses and fixed fares aimed at streamlining urban transport and easing traffic congestion. The initiative, which mirrors successful public transit models in European cities, seeks to revolutionize commuting in the capital city.
The pilot, currently operational on Route 111 between Ngong Bus Park and the Central Business District (CBD), allows buses to depart based on schedule rather than waiting to fill up, a notable shift from the unpredictable matatu system. Nairobi Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (NAMATA) is spearheading the project, which promises greater convenience and transparency for commuters.
Transport Principal Secretary Mohamed Daghar praised the Route 111 pilot as a turning point for Nairobi’s transport sector. “This project shows that collaboration with industry players can provide efficient services to Kenyans and address everyday transport challenges,” he said during the launch.
The pilot follows the January 2024 announcement of €320 million (KSh43.4 billion) in financing for the Clean Core BRT Line 3. Funding was secured from the European Investment Bank (EIB), the French Development Agency (AFD), and the European Union (EU), signaling strong international support.
Phase one of the project will establish a 12-kilometre corridor from Dandora to Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) via Juja Road, with later expansions to connect Tala to Dandora and KNH to Ngong. Additionally, KURA plans to implement the 10.4-kilometre BRT Line 5 along Outer Ring Road, financed by the Korean Exim Bank. This line will feature dedicated bus lanes, electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, and advanced security systems, though its execution has sparked controversy over restricted contractor participation.
NAMATA has already gazetted five BRT lines under the Nairobi Integrated Urban Development Master Plan, including Line 1 (Ndovu) and Line 2 (Simba), the latter of which is 70% complete. Simba Line will feature 13 stations and park-and-ride facilities to further reduce congestion.
If successful, the pilot could mark a transformative step toward efficient, eco-friendly urban mobility in Nairobi.
