The Nairobi Governor ,Dr. Evans Kidero, launched a master plan Tuesday, put together by the Kenyan Government with the technical help of Japan, which is aimed at reducing traffic in Nairobi`s Central Business District (NCBD). The plans consists the construction of new road and rail networks to disperse activity away from the central business district. The Governor said that the Nairobi Integrated Urban Development Master Plan (Niuplan) 2014-2018 is centered on the creation of more than a dozen commercial centers to create multiple economic arteries in the city. The plan is proposing the adaption of sub-centers for land use and settlement.
An estimated 3.5 million people conduct their activities in the NCBD resulting in congestion and pollution and the plan proposes that old estates in the Eastlands area be demolished to pave way for the construction of high-rise buildings where city dwellers can live and work from. A network of metro railway lines will also interconnect the centers and the CBD to ease congestion
However, the project’s success will depend on the willingness of huge land owners to forfeit these lands for development.
City Hall said the proposed changes are also meant to enable the city to accommodate more people beyond the five million limit possible under the current ratios and zoning. The document warns that a rapid roll-out of the plan is necessary to effectively manage the current population growth rates.
The areas to be developed include Runda, Ruaraka, Ruiru, Ruai, Karen and Lang’ata. Uthiru and Kabete have been earmarked for development as office and commercial centers while Doonholm and Airport North will be reserved for industrial and commercial while Kasarani will be developed into a residential, commercial and entertainment enclave. Dr Kidero said the centers would be served by major transport corridors linked to the Thika highway, Mombasa road and the newly built by-passes in the city.
