Artistic impression of all Kiambu bus parks under construction
By MARION KANARIThe fast-growing number of people and urbanisation in Kiambu County is putting a lot ofpressure 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 andUtilities is undertaking several initiatives. This includes the construction of 7 bus parksand the rehabilitation of hundreds of kilometres of roads, complete with walkways andstorm 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 busparks 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 theMutarakwa 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 andSuswa, 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 todecongest urban areas and reduce travel distances for road users. “Matatu users fromNgewa 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 andease mobility for Ngewa residents,” says Wambugu.She adds that plans are underway to commence phase two of Makongeni Bus Park byupgrading existing small scale trader’s shacks to modern kiosks after its tarmacking inJanuary 2014.Ensuring inclusivity and safety for all road users, including the 12,267 registered PublicService Vehicles within Kiambu County, the Directorate of Transport has activated theCounty Transport and Safety Committee. This committee is tasked with developingpolicies 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 ofregularising all public transport operations, especially with the increase in tuktukoperators, to ensure the safety of road users.“To improve interconnectivity, open up new roads in upcoming residential areas andrehabilitate existing feeder roads the directorate of Roads has established a roadsmaintenance unit, identified and excavated public quarries, using County equipmentand manpower to reduce cost of roads construction,” said the CECM. The unit in a bidto cover the 4,300KM of County Roads Coverage has so far rehabilitated over 800kilometres.To support continuous economic growth, mobility and security for traders, motorists,and the county at large, the Directorate of Utilities conducts routine maintenance andservicing of street lights throughout the county.Given the proximity and growth of Nairobi and other counties towards Kiambu, coupledwith its population of 2.4 million, urban population growth is inevitable. Hence, there's apressing need for comprehensive public infrastructure, increased security measures,and urban connectivity.The Department of Roads, Transport, Public Works and Utilities is committed toimproving the county's road network, ensuring the safety of road users, and meeting themobility needs of people and businesses. It aims to build upon existing planningpractices with a focus on integration, inclusivity and participation.