The Government has suspended its plan to introduce a test-run car-free days in Nairobi, with announcement coming just two days after pronouncement of the ambitious plan to decongest the Capital.
NAIROBI CBD CAR FREE days update from Transport CS @JamesMacharia_ pic.twitter.com/vifE259st1
— Linus Kaikai (@LinusKaikai) January 30, 2019
Cabinet Secretary for Transport James Macharia has posted a statement on his twitter page revealing that the Government has backtracked on its bid to introduce car-free days on Wednesdays and Saturdays, due to ‘security mechanisms’ yet to be addressed.
Part of CS Macharia’s statement reads: “The capture of Biometric data of traders using BVR kits has not been completed as anticipated. This is an essential security measure that has to be finalized.”
Mr Macharia has however revealed that the trial-run which was earlier scheduled for February 1, 2019 has been deferred till further notice.
The Government had planned to use the car-free days as part of preparations to start the roll-out of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system.
On Monday, CS Macharia in the company of heads of Matatu Owners Association addressed the media and applauded the probable gains of the BRT system.
During the press briefing, MOA Chairman Simon Kimutai urged Matatu Sacco members not to panic, saying that they will not be affected by the BRT buses.