At long last, Governor Johnson Sakaja’s government is giving Nairobians some hope with his proposed laws to regulate public service vehicles in the capital city. 

PSV operators have shamelessly conducted their businesses with utter impunity, not only in the city but everywhere in the country. 

It is for this reason that Sakaja’s decision to regulate matatus – the city’s most popular and chaotic mode of public transportation – is not only timely but also long overdue. 

For decades, matatus have served millions of Nairobi residents daily, filling the critical gap in public transport infrastructure.  

Yet, they have also become synonymous with traffic gridlocks, noise pollution, unruly behaviour, and lawlessness. Nairobi’s move to restore order is therefore a commendable step toward reclaiming the city’s dignity, safety, and urban sanity. 

The proposed Nairobi City County Permit to Operate Regulations 2025 appear well-intended and aimed at improving efficiency and easing congestion in the city. 

The regulations propose stiffer penalties on matatus picking up passengers from undesignated areas and prescribe the number of PSVs allowed on each route, fares and noise pollution. 

Matatus often pick up and drop off passengers at will, block lanes, and compete aggressively for passengers, creating chaos on already strained roads.  

A well-regulated system will decongest key routes and improve traffic flow, benefiting all road users – motorists, pedestrians, and commuters alike. 

A chaotic matatu culture undermines efforts to create a liveable, green city. Uncontrolled emissions, noise, and waste are rampant in the current system. Regulation offers a path to environmentally friendly alternatives – such as encouraging fleet modernisation and transitioning to electric or low-emission vehicles. 

Moreover, this move brings much-needed dignity to public transport. Nairobi residents deserve reliable, safe, and efficient commuting options. By cleaning up the matatu sector, the county is affirming that public transport is not a last resort, but a respected part of urban life. 

Sakaja’s proposals are a bold and progressive step that signal a devolved unit that is serious about urban order, citizen welfare, and the future of the city. If implemented thoughtfully, the reforms could set a precedent for other counties – and even the nation.