Commuters in Nairobi are bracing for higher transportation cost should the Nairobi County Finance Bill 2023 become law, due to a suggestion to hike parking fees, in a move that will spike the cost of living in the capital city.

If the proposals are adopted, motorists will have to pay Sh300 daily to park a car in the city up from the current Sh200, which means that people will pay an extra Sh100 per day.

Envisaged changes will compel Tuk-tuks and motorcycles parked outside the Central Business District to pay Sh1,000 per month. Lorries weighing up to 5 tonnes will pay an annual fee of Sh112,500 and those above will pay Sh225,000 per year.

Commuters fear that Public Service Vehicle (PSV) operators will pass the increased costs down to their customers resulting in a hike in fare prices.

“Bus fare in this city is already too expensive. Why is the County Government trying to push it higher by increasing parking fees?” posed John Mwangi, a commuter.

Kenya Motorists Association (KMA) has opposed the proposed increase in parking fees terming it as ill-timed going by the high cost of living.

The Association’s chairman, Peter Murima said the increase in parking fees comes at a time when Kenyans are still hurting from the effects of increased taxation. “We did not have any public participation before the charges were increased,” he said, terming the increase ill-advised. He faulted the County Government for not consulting the association when making key decisions that affect motorists.

Early this month, Matatu Owners Association (MOA) announced that fare prices across the country would go up by 30 per cent to reflect an increase in fuel prices brought about by the Finance Act 2023.
The price change has since been effected in various routes across the country.

“After careful considerations, MOA has determined that fare adjustment is necessary. The decision to effect this hike was not taken lightly however it’s essential to strike the balance,” said MOA Chairman, Michael Kariuki at the time.

The proposed increase in parking fees comes at a time when fuel pump prices are at an all-time high after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) reviewed prices upwards to reflect the increase in VAT on petroleum products from eight to 16 per cent.