This archive report was first published on 9 January 2020.
On December 3, 2019, the Nairobi county government issued a notice announcing plans to increase seasonal parking fees for matatus. The new rates were set to take effect following the implementation of the Finance Act.
However, a new notice was circulated on January 4, 2020, indicating that the rates would be Sh5,280 and Sh7,200 respectively for 14 and 41-seater matatus, while those with less than 14 seats would be charged Sh3,650.
The Federation of Public Transport Sectors and the National Confederation of Matatu Transporters have filed a lawsuit against the Nairobi Governor's administration and the county assembly, arguing that the increased rates are a violation of the law.
According to the matatu operators, the first notice was not revoked, and the new notice was issued without proper adequate notice, making it a violation of their rights.
They also alleged that the county's director of parking services, Tom Tinega, has no legal mandate to set timelines for the commencement of the Finance Act.
The matatu operators claimed that the new rates will have an effect on bus fares to commuters who are traveling after the festive holidays and involved in payment of school fees for their children.
They argued that the rates are unreasonable, punitive, and unjustified and that it will worsen the cost of living for city residents.
