Nairobi County Government Introduces Yellow Boxes at Major Junctions

Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya, is characterized with a large human population as well as many buildings. In the recent years, Nairobi has made headlines on issues related to traffic. There is nothing that defines Nairobi now other than traffic jams. There is a saying in town that cars in Nairobi are as many as the owners. Traffic jams, especially during rush hours are a common phenomenon in Nairobi with travelers spending hours on road as a result.

The County Government of Nairobi has tried on several occasions to come up with solutions that would bring traffic within Nairobi under control. Most solutions that the authorities have come up with have terribly failed including the decision to do away with all the roundabouts within the city.

The County Government appears not to have lost hope on traffic jams as Govern Evans Kidero has announced the introduction of Yellow boxes as major junctions as a way to help in addressing traffic issues within the Nairobi CBD.

“The Nairobi City County government has re-introduced Yellow boxes at Junctions to help ease traffic in the Central Business District (CBD). The yellow box junctions will be placed at intersections that are notoriously congested such as the intersection along Kenyatta Avenue, Mama Ngina Street, Wabera Street, City hall way and most areas where there are X junctions (Crossed junctions),” read a statement posted on his page.

“Please be informed that when traffic lights turn green motorists are encouraged not to enter the yellow boxes unless the exit is clear. Drivers who enter the yellow box intersections illegally will be arrested and prosecuted by the Nairobi City County government Traffic Marshals with the charge of obstruction as per the traffic act. We are asking motorists to fully co-operate as we would like to ensure the city and its environs are decongested and ensure free flow of traffic,” the statement went on.

This move by the County Government of Nairobi implies that traffic within the Central Business Department will simply be controlled by the yellow lines that are drawn to form some boxes at points where they intersect.

Kenyans who reside in Nairobi have received the directive with mixed reactions. Some support the move and some see it just as the many others that have failed before. Those who support the move say that this will help in restoring order and drivers will be keen to make sure that they don’t break the rule. Those opposed to it are wondering how some stubborn Nairobi drivers who cannot even respect a police officer who is a human being will learn how to respect boxes.

Article by Juma Fred.