The Sh250 million used by the defunct Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) to build Green Park Terminus is likely to go to waste after Governor Johnson Sakaja revealed that plans are already in place to flatten the structures and construct a conference centre.

Sakaja said despite the former regime having an ambitious plan to make the centre a holding ground for long distance vehicles, the plans have failed and the land ought to be used for another purpose.

“For long-distance vehicles, it looked like it could work until the interference. I sat down with my team and pointed out the flaws. I have already approved an exit of the expressway into the CBD. This will be the capital of conferencing,” he noted.

Sakaja emphasised the immense potential of Nairobi to thrive as Africa’s leading hub for conferences, drawing parallels to the remarkable Sh9.8 billion Kigali Convention Centre.
Expressed interest
“Picture this, you land in Nairobi from abroad, and in five minutes, you exit the expressway into the centre. There is a mall and other facilities. That is something we’re exploring to do under Public-Private Partnerships (PPP). People have expressed interest to build hotels in the conference facility,” he noted.

Sakaja said already a number of investors have expressed their interest to have the place converted into what he called a world-class conference centre.

Prior to the announcement by Sakaja, urban planning experts had already questioned how effective the termini would operate.

Former Chair Matatu Owners Association Simon Kimutai said the government ought to have addressed key issues including where the PSVs will be waiting after they drop passengers.

“We support any attempt that will make this city a better place. However, we should look at some of the teething problems. As we speak they want to start with Ngong road but they are not telling us where matatus like city hoppa will be waiting. We are worried that this project may end only benefitting a few,” said Kimutai.

Last year, NMS conducted at least three test runs to identify challenges and loopholes before opening the terminus to the public. The first one carried out on April 27, was marred with confusion and frustrations.
Traffic snarl-up

During the test run conducted in April, most of the passengers expressed dissatisfaction with the plan as many complained that NMS had not put enough measures to address their plight. Others said that terminus was more of a punishment to them, as they had to walk for long distances.
PSV drivers complained of the huge traffic snarl-up within the city.

The terminus was built by the now defunct (NMS) to effectively establish and operationalise the bus park. It was meant to be retired president Uhuru Kenyatta’s gift to Nairobi residents as a part of the solution to decongest the city centre.

The terminus has a number of facilities including a level two hospital, a police station and a restaurant.