Nairobi, KENYA: Nairobi governor Mike Mbuvi sonko has postponed the implementation of the gazette notice that barred Matatu operations from the Central Business District CBD for a month.
Addressing Matatu operators who gave him a courtesy visit at city hall on Monday in Nairobi, Sonko said the postponement is to enable the industry regulate itself first, failure to which the gazette notice will come into effect after the lapse of the one month period.
“We have decided to give time to the Matatu owners to regulate themselves only for a month before we act on our gazette notice,” said Sonko.
He however says Matatus will not be allowed to double park, hoot carelessly, obstruct other road users, playing loud music and commit other traffic offences.
The Nairobi governor added that any Matatu found flouting the rules will face the full force of law.
The ban was to take effect as from Wednesday this week, a move that activated mixed reactions from Nairobi residents.
In the new rules, the county government had made changes to the omnibus termini and routes within the city.
All Routes accessing the CBD from Waiyaki Way, Uhuru Highway, Kipande Road and Limuru road will be stationed at Murang’a Road (Fig Tree) terminus A.
While routes accessing the CBD from Thika Road, Kiambu Road and Ruiru will be at Murang’a Road (Fig Tree) terminus B.
All vehicles using Juja Road, Ring Road and Park Road to access CBD are expected to park at Ngara Road Terminus.
PSVs using Jogoo road and Lusaka road will park at Muthurwa Terminus whereas those from Ngong Road will park at Railway terminus.
