This archive report was first published on 18 December 2019.
City Matatus Threaten Go-Slow in Row Over Parking Charges ¶
Public transport in Nairobi could be severely disrupted starting Thursday as matatu operators are set to go on strike over increased seasonal parking fees.
The Matatu Association of Kenya has threatened to down tools following the collapse of talks with City Hall over the proposed increased seasonal parking fees.
According to City Hall, a 14-seater matatu is supposed to pay Sh5,000 per month, Sh14,000 for three months, Sh26,000 for six months, and Sh52,000 for a whole year.
However, the matatu operators are opposed to the new charges and want them lowered to Sh3,650 per month for a 14-seater matatu, Sh5,250 per month for a 32-seater mini-bus, and Sh7,250 a month for buses carrying over 43 passengers, fees that they have been paying since 2014.
"There was no public participation when increasing the parking fees for matatus in the city. In fact, Nairobi matatu saccos pay the highest parking fees compared to Kiambu, Machakos, and other areas. It is not sensible to increase parking fees in this economy that is currently doing badly," said Mr. Albert Karakacha, the association's National Coordinator.
On Wednesday, transport was briefly disrupted in Nairobi in the afternoon after various matatu saccos downed their tools in protest over the increase in parking fees.
Commuters were left stranded in several parts of the city, including the Kencom stage, following the disruption.
"As an association, we have agreed that we will not pay for parking until we go back to the old rates. If they do not agree, we will pull all our vehicles off the roads and we will not operate from tomorrow (Thursday)," said Mr. Karakacha.
Contacted, Nairobi County Director of Parking Services Tom Tinega maintained that they will continue levying the new charges as spelt out in the Nairobi County Finance Act, 2019.
