Tana River Senator Danson Mungatana has asked the Senate to intervene over the continued enforcement of a night travel ban for public service vehicles (PSVs) along the Malindi–Garsen–Lamu highway.

According to a statement by the Parliament of Kenya on Friday, June 5, 2026, Mungatana stated that the restriction has caused heavy financial losses and slowed economic activity in the region.

The Senator questioned the prolonged curfew on the Lamu–Witu–Garsen stretch, which has been in place since July 19, 2014, arguing that it has disrupted transport operations for more than a decade.

Senator Mungatana told the House that transport operators have lost an estimated Ksh 2.95 billion in gross ticket revenue, alongside additional losses linked to idle vehicles and reduced trade activity along the corridor.

“The continued enforcement of the night travel ban has crippled the local economy and exposed transport operators to heavy losses. The committee should establish why the roadblocks remain in place despite the recent court order,” Mungatana said.

Suspension of the night travel

At the centre of the request is a late May 2026 High Court ruling in Garsen, which reportedly suspended the night travel curfew.

Despite this, the Senator said local police commanders have maintained roadblocks, citing a legal standstill and lack of clear counter-directives from the Inspector General of Police and the Ministry of Interior.

The concern, however, goes beyond the legal dispute. Mungatana said the operational gridlock has triggered friction among transport operators, culminating in three separate strikes where frustrated operators blocked the highway using long-distance buses.

The legislator wants the Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations to examine the legality and justification for continued enforcement of the roadblocks.

He also wants the Ministry of Interior and the Inspector General of Police to issue clear directives to regional security heads to resolve the impasse.

“The government must clarify the security measures required to safely open the Lamu-Witu-Garsen stretch for night travel, especially since cargo transporters are already permitted to use the route,” he said.

Mungatana also called for details on any economic recovery or mitigation measures for PSV operators affected by the prolonged restrictions.