Kenya will create the National Metropolitan Transit Authority (NMTA) to co-ordinate a 35-billion shilling ($415.5-million) plan to improve the public transport system, Business Daily Africa reported Sunday (August 5th).

“Developing public transport systems that move large numbers of commuters will relieve the worsening traffic congestion and improve the local business climate,” said Josphat Sasia, National Urban Transport Improvement Project team leader.

The project will finance the building and operation of new rapid bus and rail transport systems around the country’s urban areas. Tendering will begin next year, funded jointly with 25.2 billion shillings ($294 million) from the World Bank and 9.6 billion shillings ($112 million) from the Kenyan government.

“By helping to ease traffic congestion and developing a modern commuter system, this project will enable Nairobi to remain a great city in which to live and to do business,” said Johannes Zutt, World Bank country director for Kenya.

NMTA will regulate the new bus and rail systems and co-ordinate the policy change across agencies.