The development of the two-level Nairobi Expressway aimed to ease the severe traffic congestion plaguing the city — a significant economic strain costing Nairobi around Sh120 billion yearly because of delays, as stated by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen in 2024. Although this expressway has somewhat eased the congestion issues, it’s crucial now to have an open discussion regarding the toll collection process. This dialogue becomes even more pertinent as Nairobi faces growing bottlenecks at these toll stations, especially when rains hit.
At present, both Manual Toll Collection (MTC) and Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) systems are operational on the Nairobi Expressway. Nonetheless, the existence of MTC stations, notably those located at crucial exit points such as Haile Selassie Avenue, generates significant bottlenecks. Delays occurring at these manual toll collection areas result in traffic backups, considerably impeding vehicular movement and reducing the expressway’s overall effectiveness. This problem intensifies when motorists who could be utilizing the faster ETC lanes find themselves unable to do so because of the holdup created by vehicles queuing up in the MTC lines.
The Nairobi Expressway was constructed with the aim of transforming Nairobi’s transport network and easing traffic jams. Part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), this expressway showcases the nation’s dedication to tackling Kenya’s infrastructure gap, along with significant undertakings such as the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR). To maximize the benefits of the Expressway, it is crucial to adopt technology—specifically via the sole implementation of Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) systems.
While some may find MTC convenient, the reality is that for the Nairobi Expressway to function efficiently and sustainably, the ETC system must be the sole method of toll collection. Traditional MTC, which still allows payments through M-Pesa and Airtel Money, slows down traffic, causing long queues at toll booths. These bottlenecks lead to longer waiting times, increased fuel consumption, and higher carbon emissions.
On the contrary, Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) streamlines fee collection using radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags or automatic payment systems. This enables cars to glide past toll plazas without halting, lessening traffic jams and providing a more fluid journey. Through ETC, automobiles sustain consistent movement, decreasing instances of standing still and slow-paced driving, which helps save fuel and decreases vehicular emissions.
According to a research conducted in 2023, a driver using the Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system for about 10,000 journeys can conserve roughly 314 liters of fuel and cut down their CO2 emissions by nearly 670 kilograms. Additionally, the Nairobi Expressway was conceived with environmental considerations at heart, including features like power-saving lights, advanced systems for managing traffic flow, initiatives for planting trees, and provisions for eco-friendly public transit choices such as electric buses.
For the full realization of the Nairobi Expressway’s capabilities, transitioning from MTC to an exclusively ETC system is essential. Such a shift would enhance traffic efficiency as well as support Nairobi’s overall environmental targets through decreased fuel use and lower carbon emissions. Additionally, this move will facilitate seamless vehicle passage, enabling residents of Nairobi to maximize the expressway’s original aims—alleviating gridlock and enhancing economic output.
Furthermore, adopting ETC will contribute to smarter urban planning. The real-time data collected by ETC systems can be used to better manage traffic, optimize public transport, and inform future infrastructure projects. This data-driven approach can also help promote sustainable transport options like electric vehicles, reducing reliance on traditional, fuel-consuming cars.
In early 2024, Kenya experienced catastrophic flooding that resulted in 315 fatalities, left 188 individuals injured, and caused widespread displacement. Upgrading the nation’s transportation infrastructure, supported by development allies such as China, might assist Kenya in coping with the impacts of climate change. Nevertheless, major polluters still must assume increased accountability. Numerous nations, among them Kenya, aim to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 pursuant to the UN Paris Accord. Although China aims for neutrality by 2060, it stands out globally as a frontrunner in combating environmental degradation.
Ultimately, China’s ongoing backing of major infrastructure initiatives in Kenya, like the Nairobi Expressway, underscores the significance of enhancing infrastructure as a primary catalyst for economic expansion. This expressway serves as an example of how global collaborations can drive progress in building essential infrastructures. Adopting ETC will help Kenya fully capitalize on the enduring advantages provided by this crucial undertaking.
The individual serves as both a Journalist and a Communication Consultant.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.
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