Open Letter to Kenya's Minister of Information Hon Amos Kimunya

Dear Sir,

I take this opportunity to congratulate you for your increasing hard work and efforts to ensure citizens move around by all means of transport. Am however sad that your ministry is hardly visible on social media, to interact with the common mwananchi (citizen) to get views During my visit to Netherlands for training in Internet for journalists at the Radio Netherlands Training Centre (RNTC) www.rntc.nl/ , I spotted something in their transport system that would be of interest to you. Sir, you are aware our rail system has been in ruins. You are also aware of the corruption system experienced in the sector that initially dashed hopes of its survival. Sir, I am aware of plans by Kenya Railways Corporation to invest Shs. 32 billion to overhaul the sector, which I support. I would however like to give you an insight on how this money can be put to good use. In Netherlands, there are several providers and the network is well developed to cover atleast all parts of the country Rail_transport_in_the_Netherlands. The sector is also connected to other countries giving you the option to use rail instead of air. The system is electric and the trains travel very fast. Automated ticketing system encourages passengers to pay fare with a card or at provided machines. If you choose to buy via counter, you pay a little more. This limits people handling money thereby reducing corruption.

Sir, I may not write all but will encourage you to arrange a ministerial visit. Believe me Sir; it’s a system that can work in our country if well executed. It will help reduce traffic and congestion on roads. The electric system will ensure people arrive early to work places encouraging high input and reduce corruption as there will be minimal handling of money. Growth in the sector will be seen and the economy of the country too. This will see the ministry’s http://www.transport.go.ke// vision of ‘”world class transportation system for improved quality of life” come true! Thank you for listening

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