Last week, like many Kenyans, I found myself ensnared in a two-hour traffic jam along Mombasa Road near the Machakos Junction. The frustration was palpable as vehicles inched forward, drivers honked impatiently, and some resorted to overlapping lanes in a desperate bid to escape the gridlock. This experience, though annoying, is exemplary of broader challenges we face as a nation.
Just last Friday, a similar scenario unfolded on the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway near Naivasha, where motorists were caught in a gridlock stretching for kilometers. Many spent hours stranded, with some even spending the night on the road. The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) advised caution, urging drivers to maintain lane discipline and use alternative routes, but the chaos persisted. The situation underscored two key issues — the inadequacy of our infrastructure to handle growing demands and the impatience and indiscipline that compound such crises.
First, Kenya’s roads, originally built for a smaller population, are now overwhelmed by a vehicle count including our motorcycles I believe, that reached 4.59 million in 2022, according to CEIC data. Nairobi is ranked among the world’s most congested cities, with commuters spending an average of 57 minutes per trip, as highlighted by the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP). Traffic congestion costs the city approximately KSh 58 million daily in lost productivity, a figure reported by Kenyan Wall Street, not to mention the rising air pollution it causes. This strained infrastructure is weighing heavily on both our economy and quality of life, demanding urgent action.
Second, these jams are a stark reflection of our behavioral tendencies. Overlapping lanes, disregard for traffic rules, and a “me-first” attitude exacerbate already dire situations. This impatience is not limited to our roads; it is mirrored in how we approach national challenges. Whether in healthcare, education, or governance, there is a collective tendency to seek quick fixes rather than embrace discipline and long-term solutions. These traffic scenarios highlight the urgency of addressing not just physical systems but also societal attitudes.
Third, to find solutions, we must look beyond our borders for inspiration. Singapore offers a powerful example. Decades ago, the city-state faced traffic woes like ours, but through a combination of meticulous planning and public education campaigns, it transformed into a global model of efficiency. Singapore introduced a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, coupled with Electronic Road Pricing (ERP), to manage traffic flow. Importantly, they launched national campaigns to instill discipline and respect for road rules, ensuring public cooperation. Similarly, Germany’s robust infrastructure planning and strict traffic laws have helped maintain order on its famously efficient Autobahn. Closer to home, Rwanda’s focus on decentralization and public discipline has demonstrated that transformative change is possible even in developing nations.
Fourth, applying these lessons to Kenya requires a multi-pronged approach. Infrastructure development must be prioritized, not just in terms of expanding roads but also through smart technologies such as synchronized traffic lights and digital monitoring systems. Nairobi’s recently approved KSh 43.4 billion Clean Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project is a promising start, but it must be implemented with precision and accountability. Alongside infrastructure, we must launch behavioral change campaigns. Just as Singapore emphasized public discipline, Kenya needs nationwide efforts to foster patience, respect for laws, and civic responsibility. Civic education should be introduced in schools and communities, ensuring that future generations grow up with these values.
Fifth, Leadership must transition from reacting to challenges toward anticipating them with foresight, investing in systems designed for the future. Open and collaborative governance fosters trust and a sense of ownership, ensuring that solutions address the genuine needs of the people.
As I sat in the traffic jam, I was reminded that progress isn’t about speed but unity, intention, and discipline. Together, we can build a Kenya where systems work, citizens cooperate, and leaders lead with foresight. Think green, act green!
