As NaMATA continues with the implementation of a Mass Rapid Transit System in Nairobi, a need has arisen to develop capacity among its staff as well as other stakeholders in the public transport sector, including other governmental organs and the matatu industry. Through the support of the EU funded Institutional Support to the Kenyan Transport Sector (ISKTS), NaMATA has developed a costed long term capacity building and training program and identified partners to assist in implementing it.
Recently, it signed two MoUs with two of these implementing partners; the Institute for Transport and Development Policy (ITDP) and Flone Initiative. ITDP has been involved in BRT planning and operations, and has vast global experience and expertise. Flone on the other hand provides very specific expertise in training for gender inclusivity in public transport design and operations.
Through these MOUs, NaMATA can develop training materials and implement training programs for BRT planning and operations. These partner organisations will provide experts to develop the technical training materials and provide staff time for the actual training process. These materials are at an advanced stage of development by both institutions.
In attendance during the signing of the MOUs was the Director General of NaMATA Eng. Francis Gitau, Director Legal Services Connie Ngachu and Deputy Director in Research, Corporate Policy & Strategy Dominic Omboto; Chris Kost, Gabriel Gitau, and Winnie Kinyua of ITDP; and Lucy Kihonge and Olive Osena of Flone Initiative. Also present was NTU International through the ISKTS program led by Michael Kihato, Eng. Njeri Mburu and Theresa Ochino, who facilitated developing these training partnerships.
NaMATA continues to develop similar partnerships with other like minded institutions.
