Nairobi’s public transport system has long been plagued by inefficiencies, chaotic operations, and heavy congestion, particularly in the central business district (CBD). However, significant reforms are now underway to address these challenges and streamline the sector. The city’s transport chief, Ibrahim Auma, has introduced a comprehensive overhaul aimed at transforming the way matatus (public service vehicles) operate, with a focus on improving accessibility, efficiency, and safety for commuters.
A major aspect of these reforms is the creation of 120 new routes that will connect key residential areas, business hubs, and essential services like hospitals, bypassing the CBD. The intention is to make commuting more convenient for Nairobi residents, eliminating the need to travel to the CBD to catch a matatu heading to other neighborhoods. The new routes will be orbital in nature, meaning that matatus will no longer take return trips to the CBD, which has long been a source of traffic jams and delays. Instead, commuters will be able to access matatus directly from their neighborhoods to their final destinations.
For example, routes like Kikuyu Town to Eastleigh and Dandora to Kibera/Olympic will pass through several key areas, such as Junction Mall, Adams Arcade, and Kenyatta Avenue, ensuring smoother and more direct travel. Other new routes include connections from Kitengela and Athi River to Westlands, as well as routes linking Umoja to Kibera via the Industrial Area and from Utawala to Kangemi. The plan also introduces a route from Kileleshwa to Komarock Estate, among other key connections across Nairobi.
The goal of these changes is to alleviate traffic congestion, reduce reliance on the CBD as a central hub, and make public transport more accessible to residents. The new routes are part of a broader effort to create a more integrated transport network that will serve the city’s growing population and connect residential areas directly to workplaces and essential services.
In addition to the new routes, the reforms include significant investments in infrastructure. New bus stops, shelters, and dedicated lanes will be introduced to ensure a safer and more comfortable travel experience for passengers. The infrastructure will also be designed to be inclusive, catering to people with disabilities and pedestrians, ensuring that public transport is accessible to all Nairobians.
To ensure the long-term sustainability of the transport system, the city is working closely with national agencies like the Kenya National Highways Authority (Kenha) and the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (Kura) to address broader infrastructure needs. A mobility enforcement unit will also be established to safeguard the new infrastructure and ensure that facilities are used properly and maintained.
The transport reforms are being implemented with input from public consultations and robust participation from transport operators. The city aims to formalize the matatu sector by encouraging operators to transition into registered saccos (savings and credit cooperative societies) or companies. This move is expected to professionalize the industry, improve competition, and ensure that all operators meet the necessary safety and service standards. Training academies will also be established to help operators and their staff develop new skills in areas like route management, customer service, and technology integration.
While there is some concern among small-scale operators about being overshadowed by larger players, Auma has assured them that those who meet the criteria will be prioritized when new routes are allocated. This approach is intended to create a more structured and competitive environment that benefits both operators and passengers.
In summary, the radical transport reforms in Nairobi aim to address long-standing challenges in the public transport sector. By introducing new routes, improving infrastructure, and formalizing the industry, the city hopes to create a more efficient, accessible, and sustainable transport network that will serve its residents for generations to come.
