BY EPHRAIM NJEGA: Now that we are sinking Sh. 150 Billion on Nairobi-Naivasha SGR section while not sure about what it will be transporting maybe it is time we discuss how we can salvage something out of the project;
1. I would propose the section be turned into a commuter train with a link to Nakuru and a link to Nairobi CBD.
This section should be electrified with design speeds of 160 km/hr. A similar electrification to be done to Machakos.
This should translate to commuting time of about 40 minutes between Nairobi CBD to Machakos / Naivasha.
2. We should then invest in big housing projects of no less than 100,000 houses around Machakos and Naivasha.
A three bedroom house to sell at no more than Sh. 3 million and its rent to be no more than Sh. 10,000 per month. Those paying rent should do so as part of their payment towards eventual ownership.
These estates should be built around livelihoods by providing adequate infrastructure for small business.
A 100,000 settlement can create a lot of jobs. It will host about 400,000 people who will need many services translating to thousands of businesses. Adequate business premises should be constructed and charge reasonable rent.
3. This would help de-congest Nairobi, lower cost of living and ensure SGR benefits Kenyans.