Less trucks on the road as cargo ferried through SGR attributed to reduction of air pollution – CS Macharia

NAKURU,Kenya, Oct, 5 – Air pollution often attributed to the increased number of motorists along major roads is said to have reduced tremendously according to the government.

According to recent studies, the reduction of trucks plying the Mombasa-Nairobi highway has also been credited for this, as cargo is progressively being ferried on the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR). Air pollution is said to have reduced by at least 20 per cent.

According to the Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia who spoke during celebrations to mark the World Habitat Day at Olkaria in Naivasha, climate change continues to worry the global community as it does kenya,as witnessed by recent unpredictable weather patterns.

“Apart from reducing traffic congestion along the Northern Corridor, cases of air pollution by the trucks has been reduced greatly,” said Macharia.

The government has now as a matter of policy committed itself to using clean energy in a bid to reduce carbon gas emissions.

According to Macharia, the construction of 10,300kms also improved the use of fuel thus reducing air pollution.

“We have also introduced the Bus Rapid Transit system in Nairobi which is environmentally friendly and very efficient in urban transport,”

Environment Cabinet Secetary Keriako Tobiko meanwhile also attributed the current drought being witnessed in the country as well as floods, hot waves and rising water levels in lakes to climate change.

“As we mark this day we are working closely with other departments and agencies in addressing the current environmental challenges facing the country,” Said Tobiko.

The two ministries are now working together in a bid to come up with mitigating solutions to tackle climate change.