World Bank approves Ksh 40B for Ruto’s railway project
Tuesday, April 25th, the World Bank approved Ksh40 billion (USD300 million) for the government of Kenya, led by President William Ruto, to improve urban mobility services in commuter rail catchment areas.
According to a report by the World Bank, the Ministry of Land, Housing, and Urban Development, the Kenya Railways, and the Ministry of Roads and Transport received the funds.
The report explained that the commuter rail was the only official mode of transportation in Kenya, was severely underutilized, and thus needed to be improved to maximize its use.
“The funds are intended to improve urban mobility services in the catchment area of commuter rail (Nairobi Central Station to Ruiru) and to strengthen the institutional capacity for resilient and environmentally sustainable urban transport development in Kenya.
“The only official form of public transportation in Kenya is commuter rail. The Nairobi Metropolitan Area has an extensive commuter rail network (132 km total) that traverses poor neighborhoods, but it is severely underutilized,” the report stated in part.
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According to the report, for Kenya to achieve sustainable urbanization and advance its overall social and economic development, it was necessary to address mobility issues.
To advance economic and social development, urban access in Kenya’s major cities has become an insurmountable obstacle due to the country’s rapid urbanization and spatial development pattern, according to the report.
In addition, the funds will be used to ensure that pedestrians and public transportation users are adequately served.
The report also raised concerns regarding the integration of development and transportation plans. Noting that affordable housing projects across the nation lacked coordination with transport services in the various counties.
“For instance, affordable housing projects are underway in major cities without coordination with transport services. Rendering them largely inaccessible not only to employment opportunities but also to social services and interaction.
“Urban mobility planning should adopt a holistic approach with cross-sector harmonized mobility. And land use planning, as well as priorities for public transport and non-motorized transport. To create more environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable cities,” the report states.
In addition, the report noted that inadequate infrastructure prevented Kenyans, particularly Nairobi residents, from accessing employment opportunities. Particularly those who used Matatus or walked.
“Inadequate infrastructure. Such as inadequate sidewalks and a lack of affordable and dependable public transportation. As well as the concentration of jobs in a few locations, prevent people from accessing employment opportunities.
“Job accessibility in Nairobi is inferior to that of other African cities and regions. According to a report by the World Bank, less than 8 percent of jobs are accessible within 60 minutes by foot and matatu.
World Bank approves Ksh 40B for Ruto’s railway project
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