Urbanisation in Kenya has increased rapidly since Independence, but without commensurate development of infrastructure and services. Yet an efficient urban transport system is a major factor in development of socio-economic activities.

The Kenya Government  has spearheaded policy development and contributed to plans to decongest urban centres, especially Nairobi, through the development of the Bus Rapid Transit System. In Nairobi, the system will cover a 38km distance from Athi River to Kikuyu town; Thika to Nairobi (50km) and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to the CBD (25km).

With financial support from the African Development Bank, the ministry commissioned a feasibility study to determine the suitability of transport systems such as tram-ways, subways, metros and suburban rails. The Government allocated Sh600 million ($7.5 million) in the 2010 Supplementary Budget. The upgrading of the Nairobi commuter rail system began as from October 2010 and involve about 160km. The Kenya Railways Corporation has already advertised the tender to build a modern station in Nairobi. In the 2010-2011 Budget, the Government allocated Sh1.9 billion ($23.75 million).

Eventually, the project will cost Sh24 billion ($300 million). The project will include the construction of a 7km track to JKIAs Unit 3 and rehabilitation and construction of station and other facilities. When completed, the rail system will reduce traffic jams in the city and and a regular and efficient commuter service.

Each passenger coach will be designed to carry up to 200 passengers and most trains will have eight coaches with a capacity of 1,600. It is expected to carry 60 million passengers a year or 200,000 a day. The commuter system ferries five million a year or about 20,000 a day.

A 17km railway bypass will be built from Kibera to Ayany at Sh930 million ($11.625 million). It will then be extended from Ayany to Mukuru and Dagoretti— 18km long.

Other initiatives are to:

Encourage public transport operators to shift to high occupancy vehicles and urban traffic flow be redesigned to create infrastructure exclusive for public transport vehicles.

Encourage urban authorities to provide park and ride facilities where passengers in low occupancy vehicles transfer to high occupancy ones

Expand the use of rail transport in urban areas to reduce commuter travel time and link with other modes of transport through central stations.

Provide transport services to the disadvantaged