NaMATA, in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has reached a significant milestone in the modernisation of urban mobility. The conclusion of Phase 1 of the Capacity Building Project on Bus Operation Policy and Management was formalised during the final Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) held on 1st July 2025, followed by the 3rd Steering Committee Meeting on 2nd July 2025.
The significance of these high-level forums was underscored by the senior officials and key partners who graced the meetings. These included the Principal Secretary for Transport, Mohamed Daghar, CBS, and the Chief Representative of the JICA Kenya Office, Makoto Shinkawa. They were joined by the Director General of the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), George Njao, and the Chairperson of the Federation of Public Transport Sector (FPTS), Edwins Mukhabanah. Their collective participation highlighted a unified, forward-looking agenda for the region’s mobility.
This inaugural phase has been instrumental in laying the technical and policy foundations for a more structured public transport system. A central highlight was the successful Route 111 pilot project, which provided real-world data and operational insights into bus management, scheduling, and service reliability.
Recognising that modern transport must be equitable, the committees reviewed a comprehensive framework for gender and vulnerable group inclusion. This multisectoral approach ensures that future bus operations are not only efficient but also safe and accessible for women, children, and persons with disabilities. Throughout the deliberations, the JCC and Steering Committee emphasised that long-term success hinges on strengthened institutional coordination and the professionalisation of the public transport workforce.
As Phase 1 concludes, the focus shifts to the future. The data-driven insights and collaborative resolutions established over the past year will serve as the blueprint for the next phase of implementation. NaMATA remains committed to transforming these strategic outcomes into a well-coordinated, safe, and dignified commuting experience for all residents of the metropolitan area. By fostering partnership and technical excellence, NaMATA and JICA are ensuring that the future of the NMA’s public transport is built on a foundation of international best practices tailored to local needs.
