THE NATIONAL Treasury Has Revealed That Kenya’s Ambitious Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Program In Nairobi Is Behind Schedule Due To Financial Challenges, Policy Shifts, And Incomplete Project Procedures.
According To A Newly Released Treasury Report, The Nairobi Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (Namata) Has Not Finalized Several Critical Steps Needed For The Smooth Rollout Of The BRT System — A Modern Transport Solution Designed To Offer Faster, More Reliable, And More Efficient Public Transit Than Ordinary Buses.
During A Site Inspection On July 17, President William Ruto, Governor Johnson Sakaja, And Senior Officials Reviewed Progress On The Planned BRT Corridors, Emphasizing The Importance Of Transforming Mobility In The Capital.
However, The Treasury Notes That BRT Line 2, Along With Other Transport Plans And Infrastructure Designs, Remains Incomplete. Key Delays Stem From Unresolved Pending Payments To Contractors, Which Forced A Suspension Of Works, And Prolonged Discussions With Development Partners Following Changes To U.S. Foreign Aid Policy.
In 2024, Kenya Secured Ksh7.6 Billion Through A Loan From The Korean Export-Import Bank To Support The Start Of BRT Line 5, A Major Upgrade That Will Introduce High-Capacity Buses Running On A 10.5 Km Dedicated Lane Between The Eastern Bypass And Thika Superhighway.
The Project—Initially Scheduled To Begin In January 2025—Includes Construction Of 13 BRT Stations, Three River Bridges, Two Overpass Bridges, Pedestrian Footbridges, Upgraded Lighting, Landscaping, Improved Drainage, And Advanced Traffic Management Systems.
Despite Its Potential To Ease Congestion And Modernize Nairobi’s Transport Landscape, The BRT Rollout Remains Uncertain As Officials Work To Resolve Funding Gaps And Finalize Planning Requirements.
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