Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko has suspended the matatu CBD ban with immediate effect.
In a statement, the Governor said the suspension is to allow for talks with all affected parties.
“I have noted with deep concern the plight of Nairobi residents as a result of the ban, and hereby announce that the full implementation of this directive has been suspended with immediate effect. This is to facilitate further consultation with all affected parties, in order to find a lasting solution to the problem of vehicular congestion,” part of Sonko’s statement.
Matatu CBD ban
This comes a day after the Nairobi County Government banned matatus from picking and dropping off passengers in the CBD as the directive came into effect as early as 4.50am.
Armed security officers were deployed to designated termini (outside CBD) where the Sonko administration directed matatus to operate from. Roadblocks were mounted at several termini, including Muthurwa, Muranga Road Fig Tree A, Desai Road, Ngara Road, Hakati, Railways and Central Bus Station.
playCommuters walk from the Fig Tree terminus as they try to access Nairobi CBD (Courtesy)Sakaja petition
Efforts by Nairobi Senator Johnson Sakaja to save innocent Nairobians from the chaos caused by the ban were also fruitless as the court directed that the case be heard on Thursday, December 6.
The senator filed a petition to have the ban suspended citing lack of public participation and lack of alternatives for commuters as they got into the CBD.
"The move by Mike Sonko to ban matatus from the CBD is premature, and unfair to ordinary citizens. You don’t ban matatus before providing alternatives for commuters. Must be rescinded immediately and proper planning done," Sakaja tweeted.
