Artistic impression of all Kiambu bus parks under construction

By MARION KANARI
The fast-growing number of people and urbanisation in Kiambu County is putting a lot of
pressure on the roads and transportation system. This has led to crowded streets,
disorderly transport services and dangers for everyone using the roads.
To address these challenges, the Department of Roads, Transport, Public Works and
Utilities is undertaking several initiatives. This includes the construction of 7 bus parks
and the rehabilitation of hundreds of kilometres of roads, complete with walkways and
storm water drains.
Progress updates indicate that upgrading to cabro construction is currently underway,
with Kiambu at 80 percent completion, Lower Kikuyu at 60 percent and Banana bus
parks at 10 percent. Additionally, engineers are in the process of designing Githiga,
Kwambira and Kwa Maiko Bus parks.
The proposed Kwambira bus park, located at the Total Petrol Station before the
Mutarakwa Junction, aims to alleviate passenger pick-up and drop-off along the Nairobi-
Nakuru highway, as well as attract Matatu Saccos to operate routes to Narok and
Suswa, ultimately relieving congestion at the main Limuru Bus Park.
Furthermore, the existing Githiga bus park, serving Matatus travelling to Kiambu,
Githunguri, Limuru and other areas, will be upgraded to cabro standards.
Nancy Wambugu, the Transport Director, emphasises that these efforts aim to
decongest urban areas and reduce travel distances for road users. “Matatu users from
Ngewa have to commute all the way to Githunguri to connect to Nairobi and Kiambu,
the bus park therefore will ease congestion and pressure at Githunguri Bus park and
ease mobility for Ngewa residents,” says Wambugu.
She adds that plans are underway to commence phase two of Makongeni Bus Park by
upgrading existing small scale trader’s shacks to modern kiosks after its tarmacking in
January 2014.
Ensuring inclusivity and safety for all road users, including the 12,267 registered Public
Service Vehicles within Kiambu County, the Directorate of Transport has activated the
County Transport and Safety Committee. This committee is tasked with developing
policies related to road safety, establishing safety standards for transportation modes,
and implementing public awareness campaigns.Inaugurating the committee, Acting CECM Wilfred Kiara stressed the importance of
regularising all public transport operations, especially with the increase in tuktuk
operators, to ensure the safety of road users.
“To improve interconnectivity, open up new roads in upcoming residential areas and
rehabilitate existing feeder roads the directorate of Roads has established a roads
maintenance unit, identified and excavated public quarries, using County equipment
and manpower to reduce cost of roads construction,” said the CECM. The unit in a bid
to cover the 4,300KM of County Roads Coverage has so far rehabilitated over 800
kilometres.
To support continuous economic growth, mobility and security for traders, motorists,
and the county at large, the Directorate of Utilities conducts routine maintenance and
servicing of street lights throughout the county.
Given the proximity and growth of Nairobi and other counties towards Kiambu, coupled
with its population of 2.4 million, urban population growth is inevitable. Hence, there's a
pressing need for comprehensive public infrastructure, increased security measures,
and urban connectivity.
The Department of Roads, Transport, Public Works and Utilities is committed to
improving the county's road network, ensuring the safety of road users, and meeting the
mobility needs of people and businesses. It aims to build upon existing planning
practices with a focus on integration, inclusivity and participation.