Withdraw the CBD ban, matatu owners tell Kidero

The Matatu Owners Association has asked to the Nairobi County Government to solve the Matatu parking crisis in the Central Business District.

Through their Chair Simon Kimutai, they called on calling on Governor Evans Kidero to set aside his new parking directive, saying that it has taken a political twist.

Kimutai stated that the ban will lead to disruption of services for commuters since no alternative drop off points for matatus has been provided.

Kimutai said a failure to withdraw the directive would lead to a transport crisis for the thousands of Kenyans who commute to the CBD daily.

Earlier this month, Governor Kidero ordered matatus to stay away from the CBD a move to ease congestion.

A section of CBD-based traders held a demonstration over the obstruction caused by matatus in the CBD. They asked the county government to rein in the errant PSVs, adding that their continued presence within the CBD adversely affected their businesses.

Matatus stakeholders have opposed the ban citing that the sector contributes high revenue to the County Government, even though the operators are always harassed by the same government.

However a spot check by our team revealed that some matatus have ignored the order and are still operating within the Central Business District.