The Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) on Tuesday, May 30, announced that the government had received a Ksh8 billion loan for the Intelligent Transport System (ITS) targeting key roads in Nairobi City.
In a tender notice, KURA indicated that the project would mostly entail the installation of key technology including traffic signals and intersection surveillance cameras to manage traffic at various junctions.
Through the KURA Director General, Eng. Silas Kinoti indicated that they’ve set Other technologies to be installed in the capital including; a signal controller, Vehicle Enforcement System (VES), 6 Vehicle Detection Systems (VDS), and one Variable Message Sign (VMS).
KURA added that a surveillance system comprising 20 Closed-Circuit TV (CCTV) cameras would also be installed at the junctions.
On a phone call with the Director General, Eng. Silas Kinoti noted that the ITS system was aimed at addressing the flow of traffic at key junctions that were experiencing snarl-ups.
“The project also involves the completion of the detailed design of the Traffic Management Center (TMC) building and the implementation of the construction works with fixtures, furniture, equipment, and other facilities to operate the TMC building.” Eng. Silas Kinoti said.
A circulated notice to the newsroom indicated the procedures set to be followed for bidders for the supply of those types of equipment.
“Bidders will also supply and install hardware and software to house the ITS equipment and operate the new traffic management system at the TMC building,” read the notice in part.
According to KURA, part of the Ksh. 8 billion loans secured from the Export-Import Bank of Korea would be used to pay contractors to undertake the project.
The design and build works are expected to take a period of two years and six months from the award of the tender date.
“After the completion, the contractor shall dispatch experts for two years to support and assist the Employer’s sustainable mandate,” read the statement in part.
While KURA did not detail the 25 junctions targeted in the program, the road agency had earlier indicated Thika Road as one of the key beneficiaries of the mega project.
“The expansion plans will cover 20 intersections and the construction of BRT line 5 Linking Thika road to Mombasa road via Outering road,” KURA stated on its website.
Road users have lauded the important steps followed by the road agency to transport the transport sector improving security for both pedestrians and drivers of all ranges.
DG Kinoti has lauded the move saying that through the able leadership of the current CS transport Hon. Kipchumba Murkomen, he is set to impose an unbreakable record for a long decade.
