Sonko Calls For Cooperation From Matatu Operators Over New Rules

Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko yesterday inspected matatu operators compliance with his new traffic regulations for the city.

Sonko had earlier on banned all Public Service Vehicles (PSV) from entering the CBD. A move meant to decongest the city and rid it of its notorious traffic.

Read Also: Nairobi Traffic: Matatus Barred From CBD Starting September 20

He later on suspended the matatu ban under instructions that they had to comply with the new regulations barring PSVs from double-parking, overlapping and obstruction.

“It is only through discipline and mutual cooperation that we shall transform Nairobi,” Sonko said.

He said the planned decongestion will translate into more revenue for the matatu sector and enable residents to travel faster and freely to help build Nairobi’s economy.

“All of us, including the matatu sector, are in agreement that the current chaotic situation is neither good for the public nor for those who have invested in the industry,” he said.

“The time has come for us to deliver an organised and efficient transport system to get Nairobi moving again.”

Sonko urged matatu operators that everything will be possible if everyone involved in the process agrees to cooperate in adopting a “new way of functioning”.

He specifically mentioned the picking and dropping off of passengers as the main reason for traffic snarl-ups in the central business district.

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On Monday, Sonko suspended the Matatu Ban from the city centre for a month. He instead called on all drivers to comply with new regulations.

“Double-parking, making U-turns and noise pollution will not be tolerated,” he told the media.

“The ball is in your [matatus] court. Either we work together or perish together.”

Matatus were directed to alternative stations away from the CBD.

For example, matatus from Mombasa and Langata roads will use the Kati terminus. Those using Waiyaki Way, Limuru Road, Kipande Road and Uhuru Highway will use the Muranga Road Fig Tree terminus B, etc.