Matatu owners demand share of Nairobi City parking space
Matatus jostle for passengers in Nairobi. The Matatu Owners Association has demanded that the Nairobi County government allocate them parking space as a condition of their moving out of the central business district. PHOTO | EVANS HABIL | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Mr Karagacha said matatu owners will not allow the transport business in the CBD to be monopolised by a few companies.
- He further said that a ban on matatus in the centre of the city would lead to a disruption of services for commuters.
- MOA member Adam Woche accused the police and some of his colleagues of causing traffic jams in order to collect kickbacks.
- Stephen Musau, the NTSA licensing officer, told MOA to invest in better stage managers.
The Matatu Owners Association (MOA) has demanded that the Nairobi County government allocate them parking space as a condition of their moving out of the central business district.
“We pay Sh63,000 per matatu annually as parking fee, and now the governor wants us to leave the city.
“He should show us where he wants us to park. We need a holding area,” MOA Chairman Simon Kimutai said.
In a meeting with the National Transport Safety Authority (NTSA) at Nairobi Railway Club, Mr Kimutai accused the county government of disparaging the sector’s economic contribution.
MOA National Coordinator Albert Karagacha said matatu owners will not allow the transport business in the CBD to be monopolised by a few companies.
He also spoke out against the planned bus rapid transport system.
“We have paid for the right to ferry passengers in the city. We will guard against businesses trying to take over transport in the city,” Mr Karagacha said.
DISRUPT COMMUTER SERVICES
Mr Karagacha further said that a ban on matatus in the centre of the city would lead to a disruption of services for commuters.
MOA member Adam Woche accused the police and some of his colleagues of causing traffic jams in order to collect kickbacks.
“Policemen favour their own matatus and create jams in order to collect bribes. Congestion in the city is caused by police officers, “Mr Woche said.
On Sunday, Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero ordered matatus to stay out of the CBD from Monday, a move aimed at easing congestion in the city.
Stephen Musau, the NTSA licensing officer, told MOA to invest in better stage managers.
“We need better management of vehicles to improve traffic flow. Decongestion should be a collective responsibility and not left to the authorities alone,” Mr Musau said.
The gathering also resolved to support one member of the county assembly in the next election who would represent their interests in the City county government.
