Court Makes First Ruling on Matatu CBD Ban

alfred kiura

December 3, 2018 3:20 PM

Nairobians to continue walking after the High Court ruling

The High Court in Milimani, Nairobi

The High court ruled against a petition to stop matatu ban in Nairobi CBD.

On Monday 21 matatu Saccos sued Nairobi County government for barring PSVs from the CBD but the High court directed them to serve county govt, NTSA and police with suit papers.

Tight Ruling

The hearing was set for December 6.

The saccos had accused the Nairobi County government of failure to give adequate notice to matatu operators and involve the public before effecting the ban.

ece-auto-gen

Nairobi Senator Sakaja Johnson had also sued City Hall arguing that the county government had not provided millions of commuters with viable alternatives to make their commute smooth and comfortable.

“I've gone to court because the actions of the county government are disadvantaging many Kenyans..... before you ban matatus provide an alternative. What happens to children? What happens to the elderly?" Sakaja asked.

"You have not dealt with security, it is not lit. You have not even created walkways for people, so it is completely unfair and it must be lifted today,” he added.

Walk to Work

Traffic police started effecting the ban early Monday morning, forcing matatus to drop off passengers outside the CBD.

ece-auto-gen

The matatu CBD ban sparked fury with many people raising concern about how people with special needs, expectant women and the aged will manage the long walking distance.

Governor Mike Sonko later apologised, saying the move was not meant to punish them but a move aimed at bringing order to the chaotic matatu sector.

alfred kiura