Nairobi is witnessing a transformation in its public transportation system with the launch of the first phase of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. Route 111, connecting the city center to Ngong Town, is now operational, offering a structured and efficient alternative to traditional matatus. This pilot project, spearheaded by the Nairobi Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (NAMATA), promises scheduled buses and fixed fares, marking a significant step towards modernizing Nairobi’s public transport.

The introduction of Route 111 follows a substantial investment of €320 million (approximately Ksh43.4 billion) from international development partners into the Nairobi BRT initiative. These funds are earmarked for the construction of the Clean Core BRT Line 3, which will initially span a 12-kilometre corridor from Dandora to Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) along Juja Road. The subsequent phase will extend this route to connect Tala to Dandora and KNH to Ngong.

Transport Principal Secretary Mohamed Daghar emphasized the importance of collaboration with industry stakeholders for the project's sustained success, highlighting Route 111 as evidence of what can be achieved through unified efforts to improve commuter services. The BRT system aims to eliminate the unpredictability associated with matatu operations, offering commuters transparency and better control over their expenses through fixed fares.

NAMATA's broader vision includes five BRT lines, each at various stages of development, outlined in the Nairobi Integrated Urban Development Master Plan. Line 1, known as Ndovu, will traverse from Limuru through Kangemi, the CBD, to Imara Daima, Athi River, and Kitengela. Line 2, Simba, will run from Rongai to Kenol via Bomas, Langata Road, and the CBD. NAMATA reports that the Simba line is already 70% complete and will be rolled out in two phases—first from Kasarani to KNH, then from Ruiru to KNH. Complementing this, 13 intermediate stations with 24 platforms and a park-and-ride facility at Kasarani are under construction to encourage motorists to use BRT buses, thereby reducing traffic congestion in the CBD.

In related news, the Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC) has announced the suspension of passenger train services to Syokimau and Lukenya due to a railway line blockage at Mukuru caused by heavy rains in Nairobi. KRC has apologized for the inconvenience and is working to restore services. Flooding and severe rains have previously disrupted train services nationwide, including the Nairobi-Nanyuki safari train. KRC has also issued warnings against damaging railway infrastructure, citing safety concerns.

Looking ahead, the government plans to extend the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Naivasha to Kisumu. KRC has dispatched a technical team to assess the environmental and social impacts of this project. Kisumu governor Anyang’ Nyong’o anticipates that the SGR extension will stimulate economic growth in the region and boost lake transport.