Kenyans in Nairobi alone lose at least 100 billion shillings annually stuck in traffic jams. This means Nairobians lose at least 11 million shillings per hour courtesy of traffic jams.
It is estimated that every Nairobian loses at least 2 to 5 hours stuck in traffic with major roads such Thika Superhighway, Mombasa Road, and Waiyaki Way being the most notorious for wasting people’s time in the morning and evening hours.
For instance, a traveler leaving Kasarani and using Thika Road will take at least two hours to reach Nairobi CBD if he leaves at 6:30 am, a 15-minute journey without traffic jam.
Nairobi is now ranked the fourth most congested city in the world with the most wasted manly hours that would have been productive was there no traffic jams.
Nairobi County has been trying to manage the traffic jam menace within the city but has always ended up failing miserably, and in the process, creating more chaos. Governor Johnson Sakaja has no idea how to handle the crisis.
But, what causes traffic jams in Nairobi?
Too many vehicles. Nairobi alone has at least 4 million cars. Now, imagine all these cars trying to access the Nairobi CBD at the same time? Chaos. Right?
Too many roundabouts. This is often overlooked but too many roundabouts have been the cause of massive traffic jams in Nairobi as many cars try to enter from different locations.
Corrupt traffic police officers. There are proved cases of corrupt traffic corps who take bribes from hawkers to cause traffic jams so that hawkers can sell. Others just cause traffic jams for the delight of it to flex their power and muscle.
Many feeder roads into the main roads. This is the main cause of traffic Jam along Thika Road. Feeders from Kiambu, Muthaiga, Pangani, and other places join into Thika Road cause a jam. Imagine eight lanes joining four lanes.
What can be done to remedy the situation?
Restrict personal cars from accessing the CBD. On Nairobi roads, personal cars are often the most, mostly with one occupant. Why not have a limit where personal cars can’t go beyond, then have executive buses picking passengers?
Do away with the matatu madness from the CBD. The cause of chaos within the Nairobi CBD are Matatus. They need to be orderly and placed in designated areas. Do not let them dictate their own terms.
Related Content: Why Do People Waste So Much Time On Thika Road In The Morning?
