In collaboration with the Kenyan government, the MCC has designed the Kenya Urban Mobility and Growth Threshold Program to tackle urban connectivity challenges head-on. Focused primarily on Nairobi, this program aims to strengthen institutions and facilitate long-term planning for integrated, accessible, and safer transportation and land use. Notably, it will prioritize the transportation needs of pedestrians and introduce more visible transit options for women. Additionally, the program will provide vital financial support for procuring environmentally friendly buses for the burgeoning BRT network.
Vision for enhanced mobility
During the signing ceremony in New York, President William Ruto emphasized the critical role of mobility in Nairobi’s daily life. With 5 million people during the day and 4 million at night, Nairobi faces significant infrastructure challenges, particularly concerning traffic congestion. Ruto underscored the importance of the bus transport system and highlighted ongoing efforts to establish a rail network around Nairobi, with 28 out of 38 stations already in place.
MCC’s unprecedented support
Alice Albright, CEO of MCC, hailed this grant as the largest and most ambitious threshold program ever implemented with a partner country. It reflects MCC’s confidence in Kenya’s commitment to addressing economic growth challenges and signifies the enduring relationship between the United States and Kenya.
MCC threshold programs offer grants to partner countries, demonstrating their dedication to democratic governance, economic freedom, and investments in their people through targeted policy reforms and capacity-building initiatives. These programs channel resources and support to overcome obstacles to economic growth.
About MCC and Kenya’s second threshold program
MCC, established by the U.S. Congress in 2004, collaborates with the world’s most economically challenged nations, fostering just and democratic governance, economic freedom, and investment in their populations. Kenya was chosen for its second threshold program in December 2019, following years of cooperative project design.
Addressing urban connectivity constraints
Kenya’s urban areas, particularly Nairobi, have faced challenges associated with limited connectivity, hindering inclusive economic growth. An analysis conducted jointly by MCC and the Kenyan government revealed that productivity gains typical of urbanization were not realized in Kenya due to inadequate planning and investment prioritization in land use and transportation.
The Four-Part Program
The Kenya Urban Mobility and Growth Threshold Program encompasses four projects:
- Integrated Transport Planning Project
- First and Last Mile Connections Project
- Detailed Land Use Project
- Blended Finance for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Project
Resuming the BRT project
The Kenyan government, determined to breathe life into the stalled BRT project, is in discussions with the Treasury to secure funds for its completion by December 2024. The goal is to resume construction within the next two months and unleash the potential of this transformative transportation system.
