This archive report was first published on 3 December 2019.
On December 3, 2019, the Nairobi County government, led by Governor Mike Sonko, announced a significant hike in parking fees in the city center. As of the next day, motorists were required to pay Kshs400 to park in the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD).
The new fees were introduced in accordance with the Finance Act of 2019, which aimed to increase government revenue through tax measures. The county's Director of Parking Services, Tom Tinega, explained that the new fees were a result of the enhanced law.
The county has divided the parking areas into three zones. Zone One, which includes the City Center and Kijabe, attracts a parking fee of Kshs400 per day. Zone Two, comprising Upperhill, Ngara, Highridge, Industrial area, Westlands, Kilimani, Gigiri, Yaya Center, Mwiki, Madaraka, Lang'ata, Allsops, Dagoreti, Community, Kawangware, Makadara, Buru Buru, Umoja, Kayole, Emakassi, Donholm, Muthaiga, Hurlingham, Lavington, Karen, Eastleigh, South B, South C, Kangemi, Milimani, Kangemi, and Nairobi West, is charged Kshs200 per day for parking.
Motorists will be charged Kshs100 in other commercial centers not included in Zone 1 or Zone 2. Additionally, buses not used for public transport will be charged Kshs1000 per day.
According to a notice issued by the county, motorists will be required to top up their parking fee payment if they migrate to a zone with a higher charge.
Residents have criticized the new fees, with some accusing Governor Sonko of creating 'colonial-like zones' to tax city dwellers and hustlers. The administration's decision has been seen as a way to increase revenue, but critics argue that it makes the city more difficult to use, clean, and access.
