Business Daily (Nairobi)
Norman Mudibo
24 March 2008
opinion
There is no doubt that traffic congestion poses problems for cities.
The problem is significant for rapidly growing cities like Nairobi, but how the concerned authorities deal with such developments largely depends on the approach taken.
But it appears not much thought was put in the latest directive from Local Government Minister Uhuru Kenyatta. Commuters from the east side of the city have undergone an unprecedented torturous week. Things have become worse for them than they were before when the selective directive to ban matatus from the central business district was effected.
What criterion was used to determine which public service vehicles should be or should not be allowed in the CBD?
Were there any consultations between the would be affected operators, the ministry of local government and even commuters representatives, if there exists such an organisation? Was there feasibility exercise carried out and what were the findings of such a process?
The idea might be a well meaning one, but were the pros and cons of its implementation ever considered before a final decision was made?
Instead of making things better for the commuters, it has made it worse; causing great disruption to the transport system and put thousands of people's jobs and businesses at risk.
The gridlock that has become an everyday feature along Jogoo Road and most of Eastlands' roads is hurting the people rather than offering any reprieve and ease of travel.
Whereas one of the methods to improve the inflow and outflow of traffic is to put certain restrictions, it has to be done in a very well thought out manner, which would not disadvantage any group.
I have been at the Muthurwa terminus; it is so small to hold all the matatus plying the expansive Eastlands route. The distance that the commuters have to walk is equally torturous.
The problem with some of our leaders is that they have lost touch with the reality on the ground. Mr minister, jump into a matatu, drop off at City Stadium as most commuters are doing, then walk to your Jogoo House office, you will relate with the suffering.
This is an oppressive and selective directive that serves no purpose other than to torment an already hapless lot. Go back to the drawing board and spare commuters this anguish.
Mudibo is a media manager at Tell-EM Public Relations Ltd.
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