Most kenyans argue that even where car-free days is the norm, there exists an array of options of public transport network or a provision for safe non-motorised means like cycling. We have none of those here.
The government has suspended the plan to introduce car-free days in Nairobi until further notice.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia said an “essential security measure” has not been finalised, hence, the plan has been put on hold.
“The capture of the Biometric data of the traders using BVR kits has not been completed as anticipated. This as an essential security measure that has to be finalized. Consequently, the trial run has been deferred until further notice,” said CS Macharia.
Held consultations with the Ministry of Transport, The Nairobi Traffic Commander, Nairobi County Govt and hawkers representatives on the proposed “car-free” days. I have advised them to put off the exercise to allow for better planning and proper public participation. pic.twitter.com/C82rGxfzft
— Sakaja Johnson (@SakajaJohnson) January 30, 2019
The Transport Ministry had announced that the pilot phase of car-free days on select roads within the Nairobi CBD would be carried out on Friday this week.
This would have seen all vehicles barred from accessing the city centre during the trial of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system.
The roll-out of the car free days was to target select roads among them Moi Avenue, Harambee Avenue and City Hall Way in a move expected to reduce congestion and ease flow of traffic within Kenya’s busiest city.