By Samson Wire
Nairobi, Kenya: Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko on Thursday signed into law the Nairobi County Transport Bill 2019.
The Bill covers broad aspects of Nairobi roads, traffic management, parking, street lighting, and more importantly air pollution issues.
The new law, sponsored by Eastleigh MCA Osman Adow, will help development planners and investors in the transport sector conform to guidelines that will help transform Nairobi into a modern metropolis city.
Sonko termed the bill as timely and appropriate now that there are plans to expand the city to the expansive Kenya Railways land.
“The city is growing very fast and it is important that we develop new laws to ensure that every sector is realigned to meet the demands of the new set up and the growing population,” Sonko said.
The bill is proposing critical and new provisions to streamline parking in the city, instill discipline among industry players, and create a conducive environment for potential investors.
Transport Executive Mohamed Dagane noted that the bill establishes the Capital City Transport Plan, which is to be formulated after every five years and will be consistent with the County Integrated Plan.
“This plan will have to be approved by the county assembly once formulated to make it legal,” Dagane said.
He also revealed that it establishes two critical positions – Chief Officer of Transport and Planning, and one for Infrastructure and Public Works.
According to Mr. Adow, Nairobi matatu operators will stand to benefit more because the laws are focusing more on how to ensure that the routes they ply are redefined to allow them to cover more areas of jurisdiction in the larger plan to scale down congestion in the city.
“Congestion has been the main challenge but with proper implementation, we can scale it down and in the process benefit matatu operators who are the biggest players,” he said.
Meanwhile, Governor Sonko has called on his cabinet and the county staff to ensure all new development projects are aligned to his manifesto.
He also told them to ensure the projects are done according to the County Integrated Development plan 2018-2022.
There are projects earmarked in his manifesto that are key to this and had already been included in the Annual Development Plan for the 2020/21 financial year. These include the installation of a water pipeline from Kabete to South C, another water pipeline from Kiambu to Embakasi, completion of all health projects, and the building of two more stadiums.
Sonko also ordered the fast-tracking of all ECDE projects. The governor said this in a special meeting with his cabinet.
Devolution and Public Works executive Vesca Kagongo confirmed that all the County Executive Members were asked by the governor to remain vigilant on projects that matter a lot to his five-year manifesto.
Vesca said the governor has also asked the County Public Service Board to explore ways of hiring more staff in the Disaster Management docket and promoting more workers as a way of motivating them.
“We must ensure that when the Finance Bill is being done, we push for more allocations to these projects because we can’t abandon our manifesto mid-way,” Sonko said.
The governor reminded the CECs that they still have a big role to play within their various departments for the better of Nairobians.
“You are still the people’s ambassadors for development so every time you walk into those meetings ensure you advocate for their needs without fear,” Sonko added.
On her part, Vesca, who chaired a departmental meeting, said the departments have been working closely with the Finance, Budget and Appropriation Committee in the development of the County Fiscal Strategy Paper.
She however acknowledged the fact that the county has this year collected less revenue, a factor that may deter progress.
“We have consistently been in contact with the budget committee and even the Office of the Controller of Budget and we know that there are some challenges brought up by the Covid-19 pandemic,” Vesca said.
County Public Service Board chairman Thomas Kasoa said some of the individuals who applied for various posts will be shortlisted soon.
He added that Nairobians should get first priority in accordance with the governor’s manifesto.
“People’s interest should come first,” he said.
Acting county secretary Justus Kathenge said more effort should be put on projects so that completion should be soonest.
“We have no otherwise but to hit the ground together and do what is right for the people,” he said.
Finance and Economic Planning executive member Allan Igambi confirmed that revenue collection has dropped and noted that modalities are in place to make sure all streams are up and running.
“We are up to the task to ensure our systems are up and running. After this pandemic, we will be working round the clock to ensure we have filled where we left. Let’s always be optimistic,” he said.
