Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, made a tremendous step in setting up Nairobi’s Intelligent Transport System (ITS) and the Traffic Management Centre (TMC) to tackle the traffic menace in the city.
The significant step in solving traffic congestion in Nairobi was actualised following the signing of the deal that would see the project commence in March 2025.
According to KURA, the traffic management centre will be set up at Cabanas, Mombasa Road.
KURA signed the deal with Samsung C&T which will finance the first phase of the project.
KURA further explained that the first phase will include the geometric improvement of 25 junctions.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir lauded the project insisting that it is key to solving traffic demand in the city.
“The project involves detailed design and upgrades to the junction configurations to ensure they can adequately handle traffic demand. This comprehensive upgrade will greatly improve traffic flow and safety in our city,” Chirchir stated.
According to the CS, various ITS field equipment will be installed, including traffic signals and signal controllers.
CCTV cameras, above-ground detectors, Variable Message Signs (VMS), Vehicle Enforcement Systems (VES), and Vehicle Detection Systems (VDS) will also be included in the project.
The technology is expected to replace the reliance on traffic police at various junctions in the city as well as county traffic officers.
CS Roads & Transport, Hon. Davis Chirchir today witnessed the signing of a contract between KURA and Samsung C&T for Phase 1 of Nairobi's Intelligent Transport System (ITS) and the Traffic Management Centre (TMC). In attendance was PS Roads, Eng. Joseph Mbugua , KURA DG Eng.… pic.twitter.com/T9PoeewCvz
— Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) (@KURAroads) November 27, 2024
Cabinet approval
The signing of the deal comes months after President William Ruto’s cabinet approved the project.
“Cabinet approved the implementation of the Nairobi Intelligent Transport System (ITS) Establishment and Junction Improvement Project.
“The Phase III of this seminal project is expected to revolutionize traffic management in Kenya, eliminating human interfaces in traffic control, and streamlining the payment of penalties for traffic offences,” dispatch from cabinet read in part.
The idea of solving Nairobi’s traffic was conceived during former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s tenure but it failed to kick-off due to lack of funding.
Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) was also touted to help solve the menace on Thika Road and other roads within the city but the government failed to actualise it.
However, President Ruto after taking over the instrument of power, vowed to look for investors to fund the intelligent transport management system.
