Nairobi governor has postponed the implementation of the ban of Matatus from CBD for one month as the county seeks to establish picking and dropping points.
This was arrived at after a series of meetings with various stakeholders in the public transport industry on Monday.
“The full implementation of the provisions of the Gazette Notice shall be delayed for a further 30 days starting September 20,” said Mike Sonko.
“That the 30-day period shall give the industry time to reorganize themselves with the new rules and allow for self-regulation.”
However, the Governor cautioned the drivers that “during the said period, there SHALL NOT be taking u-turns anywhere except where permitted by law, NO picking and dropping off passengers except at designated places, NO overlapping, NO obstruction and NO noise pollution either from hooting or muffled exhaust systems.”
Sonko added that upon the expiry of the said period, the County Enforcement machinery shall swing to full action.
Nairobi is the Capital City of Kenya, an international hub and produces over 60% of the national GDP. As such, an efficient and organized public transport system is not optional.
“In the long term, my administration shall work with the National Government to implement the Nairobi Metropolitan Mass Transit System covering Nairobi, Kiambu, Murang’a, Machakos and Kajiado counties.”