Google unveils mobile app to tackle traffic gridlock in Kenya

The American internet search engine Google has unveiled a mobile application to help Kenyan motorists and commuters evade traffic gridlock that is a common feature in the capital, Nairobi.

Executives said at a media briefing in Nairobi on Thursday that the application dubbed "Traffic Alerts" will be hosted on Google Maps and will be available on smart phones.

Charles Muritu, Kenyan Country Manager for Google said the innovative mobile application will provide real time traffic alerts to motorists and commuters in Nairobi.

"Any individual with a smart phone will be able to download Google maps and install the Traffic Alerts application. It will alert private motorists, drivers of public service vehicles and commuters on traffic flows in different parts of Nairobi," said Muritu.

He clarified the mobile app is user friendly and will complement ongoing efforts by Nairobi county government and key stakeholders to tackle traffic gridlock.

"Our goal is to harness the power of technology to help address an endemic challenge in the city of Nairobi. The next step is to raise awareness on the benefits of Traffic Alerts to the public," Muritu said.

He decried unethical behavior by motorists and lax regulations that are to blame for traffic snarl ups in Nairobi.

"By using Traffic Alerts to access information on vehicular flow in Nairobi's roads and highways, we will be able to save time, reduce stress, gas consumption and pollution," said Muritu.

He said a partnership with key stakeholders like telecommunication giants will help raise awareness on the Traffic Alerts mobile app to the public. Google has developed a range of products to promote sanity in Kenyan roads. Enditem