Governor Kidero cancels matatu parking licenses in CBD

Nairobi Governor Dr. Evans Kidero has cancelled parking licenses for matatus in the Central Business District (CBD) in a bid to de-congest the city.

According to the Transport, Roads and Public Works CEC Mohammed Abdullahi, the order by Governor Kidero for all matatus to move from points that have not been gazette takes effect immediately.

Mohammed however refuted claims that the new changes will create confusion in the transport sector saying every matatu has a bust terminal where they should carry their passengers adding that those who fail to adhere to the new regulations will be dealt with in accordance with the law.

The new directive will therefore see each matatu spend only 20 minutes at the bus stop to allow passengers to board.

“We know that this is a tough process, but we will have to push it through in order to create sanity in the CBD. We urge business people to be patient as we put in place measures to decongest the CBD,” he said.

The move is the latest in a series of measures that Governor Kidero has attempted to put in place to help de-congest the city centre.

Less than a month ago, the County Government of Nairobi re-introduced the application of yellow lines on road intersections.

Last year, Governor Kidero introduced barricades, better known as “the Kidero drums” to substitute roadblocks in a bid to organize traffic flow in and out of the CBD.

Following a series of protests from motorists, the barricades were removed in some parts of the roads though their presence in other roundabouts was maintained.

Reports indicate that the move to cancel licenses was necessitated by expression of discontent from business people in the CBD who claim that the traffic snarl ups and irregular parking is affecting their businesses.

@benjaminwafula