U.S. Government Cancels GIS Transport Project in Nairobi
Kenya’s ambitious urban transport plan has hit a major setback after the United States government cancelled its $44.8 million contribution toward a $60 million Geographic Information System (GIS) platform designed to improve traffic management in Nairobi. The cancellation comes amid changes in U.S. foreign aid policy, delaying critical transport projects in the Kenyan capital.
According to the National Treasury’s Energy, Infrastructure, and ICT Sector Working Group Report for FY 2026/27–2028/29, projects under the Kenya Millennium Development Fund (KMDF) have stalled. The GIS platform, a core part of the Nairobi Metropolitan Area (NMA) transport plan, was intended to integrate data across transport networks to reduce congestion and support long-term urban planning.
The project began in 2023 following President William Ruto’s visit to the U.S. and a signed agreement with former President Joe Biden. Completion was initially planned for the June 2027 fiscal year, with Kenya contributing $12 million alongside the U.S. funding.
The KMDF NMA Multimodal Transport System was expected to improve coordination across Nairobi’s transport networks, promote safer and more sustainable mobility, and drive economic growth. However, the GIS platform has only reached 30% completion, while key initiatives like zoning regulations and integrated policy guidelines remain unfinished.
Treasury officials have said the stalled projects may be revisited under the Nairobi Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (NaMATA) in the next financial year, pending resolution of funding issues.
The cancellation adds to a growing list of U.S.-Kenya bilateral projects affected by changes in U.S. foreign aid, including trade tariffs and adjustments to USAID programs.
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