Kenya has floated a $59 million (about Sh7.6 billion) international tender to invest in a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system along the Outer Ring Road, as part of plans to alleviate severe traffic congestion in Nairobi City County.

The project which will be executed by the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), has initiated a call for sealed bids from eligible contractors to implement the infrastructure facility.

Funded by a loan from the Export-Import Bank of Korea, the project includes constructing 10.5 kilometres of two dedicated BRT lanes, three river bridges, two overpass bridges and modification of existing ones, construction of 13 stations, as well as essential electro-mechanical systems.

Additionally, it will develop a comprehensive drainage system, implement street lighting, and enhance landscaping to improve the overall infrastructure among other essential works. “The bidding process will adhere to competitive procedures to ensure transparency and fairness in selecting contractors,” the KURA tender document states.

While this initiative is part of the Nairobi Integrated Urban Development Master Plan, concerns are mounting over its feasibility, given the history of delays with previous projects like the Sh5.6 billion Kasarani-Kenyatta National Hospital BRT line and the Thika Road BRT system, both of which remain unfinished.

The plan, part of Vision 2030, aims to guide Nairobi’s growth and development with an estimated total cost of $3 billion (Sh384.8 billion). It includes various projects to improve infrastructure, transportation, and urban services.

The transport component is estimated to cost around $1.5 billion (approximately Sh192.4 billion), and focuses on expanding road networks, and improving public transport systems by developing non-motorized transport options to address traffic congestion and improve connectivity.

When it was conceptualised in 2018, the Nairobi BRT plan was estimated to gobble $92.6 million after the European Union (EU) committed over $49.2 million in grants towards its implementation on the October 31, 2018.

High-capacity buses

However, despite painting the roads in various parts of the county, nothing happened. The roads have since been repainted over and over, and taxpayers hope this time they will enjoy the ride along the BRT corridors which were expected to hold up to 100 high-capacity buses and later increase to 300 in subsequent orders.

The Outer Ring Road’s design has struggled to accommodate increasing traffic volumes, causing severe congestion at key junctions. Despite the ambitious scope of the Outer Ring Road BRT project, scepticism looms over its viability, particularly in light of ongoing delays with previous BRT initiatives like the Kasarani-Kenyatta National Hospital line and the Thika Road BRT system.

The Kasarani line, which spans 27 kilometres and is estimated to cost Sh5.6 billion, has faced significant funding challenges, requiring an additional Sh3 billion to complete. Similarly, the Thika Road project has struggled with delays due to financial constraints.

Critics are bound to question whether the new Outer Ring Road BRT system will suffer similar fates as its predecessors.
The Outer Ring Road BRT project aligns with plans for the Railway City, which aims to create a multi-modal transport hub integrating various transit options, including commuter rail and city buses. This integration is expected to improve connectivity and streamline travel within Nairobi’s Central Business District.

However, the history of stalled projects raises concerns about the government’s capacity to deliver on its promises amid budgetary constraints and management issues.