The National Confederation Matatu Transporters (NCMT) has requested court approval to transform Nairobi's Globe Roundabout into a designated holding area for matatus, aiming to ease central business district congestion.
In proceedings before Justice James Makau, the NCMT revealed ongoing efforts to negotiate an out-of-court resolution with Nairobi City County. The group previously challenged Governor Mike Sonko's 2018 ban on matatus in downtown Nairobi, a measure that was temporarily halted by Justice Wilfrida Okwany.
The proposal includes upgrading the roundabout to accommodate increased vehicle volume, with plans to construct a parking lot along Kirinyaga Road. "The parking facility will serve both long- and short-distance vehicles," the NCMT stated.
The organization also advocated for modern traffic management systems, including a command center equipped with radio communication to enhance coordination with traffic police. It attributed persistent congestion to urban population growth and rising public transport demand rather than municipal shortcomings.
Additionally, the NCMT called for enforcement against double parking and restoration of underused lanes for municipal service vehicles only.
