Relief for motorists after High Court suspends Governor Mike Sonko’s directive to increase parking fees

Relief for motorists after High Court suspends Sonko’s directive

Brian Oruta

December 4, 2019 11:13 AM

Blow for Sonko

Vehicles at a car park in Nairobi

Motorists in Nairobi have a sigh of relief after the High Court on Wednesday suspended Governor Mike Sonko’s directive on revised parking fees.

In a petition filed by the Consumers Federation of Kenya (COFEK), High Court Judge James Makau directed that the order to have parking fees in the Central Business District (CBD) increased from Sh200 to Sh400 be suspended, until the case is heard and determined.

On Monday, Governor Mike Sonko's government announced an increase in parking fees in Nairobi County.

A notice dated December 2, 2019, stated that buses which are not public service vehicles would be charged Ksh1,000 per day to park in the City.

Vehicles at a car park in Nairobi Vehicles at a car park in Nairobi Pulse Live Kenya

Revenue collection

County Director of Parking Services Tom Tinega said the new charges were in line with the law which introduced new taxes.

Notably, motorists who park around the City Centre and Kijabe Street would be affected by the new rates.

The move would also see parking charges of Sh200 introduced in residential areas, with motorists paying Sh300 at shopping and business hubs.

Tinega stated that the rise was aimed at reversing the drop in Nairobi revenues and decongesting the CBD. He added that traffic jam was costing the city an estimated Sh37 billion in fuel and lost man hours.

Brian Oruta