The long-delayed Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system in Nairobi has received a new injection of Sh300 million in the 2025/26 national budget, signaling renewed government effort to restart a project that has struggled with repeated delays over several years.
The funding comes after multiple phases of stalled progress, largely attributed to financing gaps that previously forced contractors off-site and slowed implementation.
Earlier allocations show the project has already absorbed Sh1.2 billion in the 2022/23 financial year, followed by Sh1.1 billion in 2023/24, and Sh1 billion in the current financial year before the latest top-up.
Construction activity has now resumed, with officials confirming that contractors have returned to the site to restart key works along the corridor.
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According to the Nairobi Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (NaMATA), pilot operations are expected to begin in January next year, depending on the pace of ongoing works and infrastructure readiness.
The renewed works cover core infrastructure such as dedicated bus lanes, station construction, and traffic systems designed to improve flow along major Nairobi routes.
The BRT system is planned to include 10 modern stations and the deployment of around 100 high-capacity buses. The design targets a rapid transit flow with buses arriving at intervals of about 90 seconds, aiming to move up to 15,000 passengers per hour in each direction.
The system also includes modifications to existing infrastructure, including footbridges, boarding platforms, and junction upgrades to support uninterrupted bus movement.
Additional components include depots in Ruiru and Kasarani, improved traffic signaling at key junctions such as Pangani, and dedicated lanes separated from general traffic.
The scope of works further extends to road markings, signage installation, non-motorized transport lanes, and construction supervision facilities. Authorities also plan to maintain existing road networks during the construction phase to reduce disruption.
The project is being implemented under the oversight of the Nairobi Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, which coordinates transport planning across Nairobi, Kiambu, Machakos, Kajiado, and Murang’a counties—an urban region serving more than 10 million residents.
The BRT corridors were initially conceptualized to reduce congestion along major routes such as Thika Road, Ngong Road, Mombasa Road, and Kiambu Road, with multiple lines planned to connect satellite towns to the CBD.
Once fully operational, the system is expected to operate electric buses integrated with intelligent transport systems and cashless fare payment platforms.
🚦 Commuter Impact & Practical Advice
For Nairobi commuters, the revival of BRT could significantly change daily travel patterns once operational. If implemented as designed, it will:
- Reduce travel time along major corridors like Thika Superhighway
- Lower reliance on irregular matatu scheduling
- Improve predictability of peak-hour commuting
- Offer higher-capacity, less congested transport options
However, during construction, commuters should expect:
- Lane diversions and temporary traffic disruptions
- Slower traffic along affected corridors
- Increased congestion near construction zones
Advice for commuters:
- Plan for earlier departure times, especially along Thika Road and Ngong Road corridors
- Use alternative routes where possible during peak hours
- Monitor traffic updates from authorities and transport platforms
- Consider staggered commuting times to avoid peak congestion windows
SOURCE – The eastleigh voice
