Senator Sonko suggests measures to end Nairobi traffic

Nairobi Senator Gidion Mbuvi alias Mike ‘Sonko’ has voiced support for suggested measures to reduce traffic snarl ups in the city.

In his post, quoted from a piece by Kevin Odongo, originally published on ATB Facebook page, Senator Sonko agreed that there is need for speedy resolution to the traffic menace in the country’s capital in a bid to ensure smooth commuting and improved productivity.

“An average Nairobi resident has to wake up earlier than 4am, not to study but to beat the heavy traffic that characterizes the city roads from 5am,” stated the post.

“What’s even more saddening is the fact that we have to endure the traffic in the evening and arrive back home after 9pm.”

One of the solutions to the traffic issue, the Senator suggests, is rethinking the working schedule to ensure a 24-hour economy.

“I think it is important to adjust the usual 8am to 5pm working time and adjust it to ensure not everyone is on the road at the same time.”

“In this regard, the government will need to take bold steps by offering some of its crucial services on a 24-hour basis. This way, Nairobi residents can adjust their working schedule to ensure some of them take up night shifts,” noted the Nairobi governorship aspirant.

He also called on engineers to disregard conventional methods of easing traffic and come up with clear-cut innovative measures specific for the county.

“We should have a lot more ways to get to work. More people using rail transport, bicycles, scooters, or over-head cable loops will see pressure on our roads reduce and a more productive nation.”

Traffic jam in Nairobi has been a headache for Governor Evans Kidero’s government with past measures including erecting drums at roundabout aggravating the situation further.

Kidero’s move to introduce yellow line at intersections has also faded off with most motorists disregarding the law due to its apparent impracticability.

The Governor’s latest plan to prevent passenger service vehicles from parking in the Central Business District (CBD) also sparked protests within the matatu industry leading to intervention from government to quell threats of a countywide strike.

A meeting between Nairobi City County Government, led by Deputy Governor Jonathan Mueke, and officials from the Matatu Welfare Association, Matatu Owners Association and National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) however resolved that no matatus will be locked out of the CBD, but proposed that only two buses will be allowed at a terminus at a time.

“This measure is aimed at easing congestion as others line and wait for their turn. It will also ensure that every matatu has a shot at entering the CBD indiscriminately,” said Deputy Government Mweke after the meeting.

Another proposal from the meeting was the formation of a committee, bringing together all stakeholders in the transport industry, to oversee the documentation of the resolutions reached for presentation to the county government to be gazetted.

@benjaminwafula