Confusion mars plan to eject matatu after deadline ends

Confusion has hit Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) plan to eject matatus from the central business district (CBD).

This comes even as the National Confederation of Matatu Transporters chairman Nelson Mwangi accused NMS of harboring ulterior motives in the proposed move to kick Public Service Vehicles (PSV) out of the CBD and vowed to resist the move.

Mwangi, whose association represents more than 50 matatu Saccos, poked holes in the plans, saying the current infrastructure could not support such a move.

“It is very interesting that these  people are telling us to relocate to Fig-Tree, Ngara yet as we speak, the termini is already full. How is that even workable?” asked Mwangi.

He accused NMS of failing to consult all stakeholders concering the issue. “How do you introduce a directive that affects us without even having to consult us.

We know they just want to introduce the directive to pave way for other matatus but we will not allow that to happen,” added Mwangi.

He continued:  “The association and Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko have already moved to court to block  the decision.  The case will be mentioned on February 9, 2021.” 

 NMS Director-General Mohammed Badi had in September told Parliament that no matatus will be allowed to access the city centre starting December 1.

Badi told the National Assembly Committee on Administration and National Security that land has already been acquired and construction work started on new bus termini.

But uncertainty continues to hang over the plan after NMS  Engineer  in-charge of Transport Michael Ochieng said they were yet to decide on the exact date when PSVs will be barred from accessing the city.

“We have a plan to decongest the city but we are yet to come with an exact date. Things will be done in phases,” he said.