The Nairobi County government has designated Wednesdays and Saturdays as car-free days whereby no vehicles will be granted access to the Central Business District (CBD).

The car-free days initiative is aimed at decongesting the city center.

The County Executive Committee Roads, Transport and Infrastructure, Mohammed Dagane had in May 2018 announced the proposal for the car-free days.

Commuters will have the option of using public means of transport especially now with the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) initiative, which is being rolled out soon.

HAWKERS

According to the Principal Secretary, Public Works Paul Maringa, hawkers will be allowed into the CBD during the car-free days.

The pilot phase of the hawkers initiative will be rolled out at Harambee Avenue, Moi Avenue, City Hall Way and the Aga Khan Walk.

CAR-FREE DAYS

A car-free day is a method that has been adopted by various countries in an effort to curb congestion and curb air pollution from motor vehicle emissions.

The concept has been borrowed from the World Carfree day celebrated in September 22 where motorists are encouraged to get around without driving for a day and instead catch a train, a bus, ride a bicycle or walk.

It entails motorists being restricted from using their cars to access the city center by closing major roads.

Rwanda introduced a car-free day in 2016, which is scheduled on the 1st Sunday of every month and it has worked out seamlessly.