Introduction of BRTs in Nairobi is just Another Public Scam
Recently Matteo
Rizzo, using the case of Dar es Salaam, has given a critique
to the false promise of Bus rapid transit
systems (BRT). He argues that the BRT has several prominent advocates around the world,
including the World Bank and
NGOs such as the Institute for
Transport and Development Policy (ITDP) and Embarq. They claim that the
system combines the flexibility of bus transit with the speed, reliability and
capacity of rail systems, at a fraction of the cost. He further posits that it
is also regularly said that BRT fares can match those of pre-existing minibus
operators, and that BRT buses cause less pollution. In his view, such arguments
fuel claims that BRT systems represent a “win-win” solution to public transport
woes, benefiting the economy, the environment and the poor all at once.
But he concludes that there’s
evidence to show that BRT proponents promise more than they can
deliver, especially for society’s most vulnerable. Using the case of Dar es
Salaam, he gives evidence that supports his conclusion.
But, as usual, other African nations
are increasingly embracing the idea of BRT, most of them without taking any
consideration of some the issues raised by experts. Kenya, for instance, has
announced its decision to unveil the BRT in Nairobi soon. What is more curious
about the case of Kenya is that this system is being rolled out even without
requisite infrastructure. At least Tanzania
did invest in infrastructure. In Kenya, clearly the cart is right in front of the
horse. The buses have already been procured and will be unveiled in the next
few days, according to the Cabinet Secretary in charge of Transport. But as far
as I can recall, there is yet to be any meaningful basic infrastructure
especially road design in Nairobi, in view of efficiently running the BRT. Well, there were red lines drawn
on some roads like Thika, apparently demarcating and setting aside the
dedicated lanes but even common man on the street (like myself) can see a
number of obvious problems with those red lines, hence questioning the efficacy
of the BRT which government sets to unveil soon. Whether anyone, in Kenya, is
taking into account some of the issues raised by experts such as Matteo
Rizzo through the case of Tanzania remains a question. But, then, we are
talking about functionaries of the Kenyan state, no? Do they care about knowledge
anyway?! By the way, is the end product of introducing BRT to have Nairobi
moving, anyway? Most likely all there is about procurement and the kickbacks. Period.
Procurement in Kenya is lucrative; the best known way to government officials,
to make (not earn) quick and big money. Steal. So, here are the digs. Go out
there, shop around, using taxpayers money, purchase whatever buses. Import them
in fact. Do not even explore the possibility of assembling them locally. Never
mind government is singing about big four in which manufacturing is one. The
same government imports full assembled buses. Most likely at inflated coast.
Then put them on existing roads, whether they help anything is none of the
immediate concern of a public officer in a bandit economy like Kenya. Few years
later, the project joins the ever lengthening list, of so called white elephant
projects, in which billions of tax-payers money is buried.
Introduction of BRTs in Nairobi is just Another Public Scam
Reviewed by Ibrahim Magara
on
January 28, 2019
Rating:

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