Government Forms Task Force To Decongest Rongai, Kitengela Among Other Metropolitan Areas

Nairobi Metropolitan Area residents in towns like Kitengela, Rongai, Kajiado, Kiserian, and Ngong can expect relief from traffic woes, as the government announced plans to tackle congestion in these rapidly growing hubs.

Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen, in a statement on January 24, revealed a joint initiative with Kajiado County and road agencies to explore decongestion solutions, including potential Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) projects.

This move addresses a long-standing concern for residents facing daily commuting challenges due to the influx of people and businesses to these towns.

But the government’s focus extends beyond decongestion. Murkomen also announced progress on two other pressing issues:

• Funding for “Orphaned” Roads: The Ministry of Roads is revising the Road Maintenance Levy Fund (RMLF) allocation formula to include roads upgraded to bitumen standard in the past decade but lacking dedicated maintenance funds. These “orphaned” roads, particularly those constructed as Low Volume Seal Roads, are scattered across the country and often deteriorate swiftly due to inadequate upkeep. The Imaroro-Isara road in Kajiado East is a prime example, facing public outcry over its rapid decline. The revised policy aims to prevent such situations and ensure proper maintenance for all upgraded roads.

• Reviewing the Road Annuity Program: The government is reevaluating the Road Annuity program, a financing model for road construction. Murkomen expressed concerns about its cost-effectiveness, stating that it consumes significant resources without delivering optimal value for money. This review seeks to identify potential improvements or consider alternative financing options for future road projects.

These initiatives suggest a renewed focus on infrastructure development and addressing the needs of growing towns within the Nairobi Metropolitan Area. Residents of Kitengela, Rongai, and other affected towns can be cautiously optimistic about improved traffic flow and better-maintained roads in the near future.