Fixed Fares and Scheduled Buses: Nairobi Launches Pilot Phase of Ambitious Bus Rapid Transit System
Nairobi has taken a significant step toward transforming its public transport network with the launch of the pilot phase of the city’s long-anticipated Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system.
Commuters along Route 111, which connects the Central Business District (CBD) to Ngong Town, are now experiencing scheduled bus services with fixed fares—marking the beginning of what could become a sweeping reform in how people move within the Kenyan capital.
The introduction of BRT services on this route signals a deliberate shift from the existing informal matatu system, which has for decades dominated urban transport across Nairobi.
Matatus, known for their inconsistent departure times and fare structures, have long presented challenges in terms of reliability and commuter experience. In contrast, BRT buses operate on fixed schedules and maintain standardized fares, bringing much-needed predictability, efficiency, and transparency to public transit.
This pilot project is being spearheaded by the Nairobi Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (NAMATA), the agency tasked with developing and regulating sustainable and integrated public transport solutions for the Nairobi metropolitan region.
According to NAMATA, the successful implementation of Route 111 serves as a critical demonstration of the benefits that structured, well-managed public transport systems can deliver to urban populations.
The BRT pilot coincides with a major funding milestone achieved just three months earlier, when international development partners committed €320 million (approximately Ksh43.4 billion) to the Nairobi BRT program. These funds are earmarked for the construction and operationalization of the Clean Core BRT Line 3.
The first segment of this line will consist of a 12-kilometre corridor stretching from Dandora to Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) via Juja Road. Future phases will see the corridor expanded further, connecting Tala to Dandora and KNH to Ngong Town.
Transport Principal Secretary Mohamed Daghar has praised the pilot as a model for collaboration between government institutions, development partners, and industry stakeholders. In a public statement, he underscored the importance of unity in delivering sustainable infrastructure.
“The Route 111 Pilot Project proves that we can join forces as one people to deliver better services and tackle the daily challenges commuters and travelers face,” said Mr. Daghar. “This initiative marks a significant shift in our transport planning—one that places the commuter at the centre of service delivery.”
Among the key advantages of the BRT system are its reliability, affordability, and efficiency. By operating on a fixed schedule, BRT buses eliminate the unpredictability that often plagues matatu services. Furthermore, by implementing a transparent fare structure, the system allows commuters to plan their transportation expenses with greater certainty and fairness.
The BRT initiative is a central component of the Nairobi Integrated Urban Development Master Plan, which envisions a modern, accessible, and environmentally sustainable transport system for the growing metropolitan population.
As part of this master plan, NAMATA has officially gazetted five BRT lines, each at a different stage of development. These lines have been strategically designed to provide comprehensive coverage across the metropolitan area.
Line 1, known as Ndovu, will run from Limuru through Kangemi and the CBD to Imara Daima, Athi River, and Kitengela. Line 2, named Simba, will traverse from Rongai to Kenol, passing through Bomas, Lang’ata Road, and the city centre. According to updates from NAMATA, the Simba line is already 70% complete. Its rollout will occur in two stages: the first phase covering the stretch from Kasarani to KNH, and the second extending the line from Ruiru to KNH.
To further enhance the usability of the system, supporting infrastructure is also under development. Thirteen intermediate BRT stations with 24 platforms are currently under construction.
Additionally, a new park-and-ride facility is being built at Kasarani, which will allow private motorists to park their vehicles and continue their journeys using BRT services. This multimodal approach is expected to help decongest the CBD by encouraging a shift from private to public transport for city-bound traffic.
The phased implementation of the BRT system represents a bold and strategic effort to address the complex challenges of urban mobility in Nairobi. As more routes come online and infrastructure is completed, the city is poised to experience a paradigm shift in how public transportation is delivered and perceived.
If the pilot phase continues to gain public acceptance and operational success, Nairobi’s BRT system could serve as a model for other rapidly growing cities across Africa facing similar transport challenges.
With political will, sustained investment, and robust public-private partnerships, Nairobi’s journey toward an integrated and efficient urban transport system appears to be well underway.
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Fixed Fares and Scheduled Buses: Nairobi Launches Pilot Phase of Ambitious Bus Rapid Transit System
