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No turning back on matatu order, says Kidero


Governor Evans Kidero says he will not withdraw his order for the cancellation of parking licences despite threats by matatu to stage a strike.

Dr Kidero said discipline has to be instilled in the industry, noting that some matatus have turned the roads into parking lots.

He said that Ronald Ngala, Luthuli, Tom Mboya, Mfangano and Latema roads have been issued with fake permits by rogue officers at City Hall.

Speaking at City Hall on Thursday morning, Dr Kidero blamed the city officials on the issuing of the ungazetted terminus and those found culpable will be prosecuted.

“Indiscipline prevails on our roads. We will not allow people to park anywhere. Order must be restored but we will still have drop off and pick-ups points in designated areas,” he said.

He added that the Ministry of Education has closed most satellite campuses in the city following the menace hence affecting revenue collection.

MATATU INDISCIPLINE

He said indiscipline by the matatu had affected business in the city as investors tend to prefer city outskirts.

Dr Kidero said that they have received support from the public to kick out matatu from the city centre as they find a solution to those affected.

On Friday, the county and matatu owners will hold a meeting to get an alternative space outside the city.

He added that the county will have transist buses that will be going round the city picking and dropping off passengers at designated areas with stops of four to five minutes maximum.

Matatu operators under the umbrella of Matatu Welfare Association (MWA) had on Wednesday called for a strike which was to take effect on Thursday morning to protest Kidero’s orders.

But the strike was later called off after they agreed to engage in talks with Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia.

Meanwhile, some matatu sacco’s plying Jogoo road have vowed not to enter the CBD. Commuters are now forced to alight at the Nairobi City Stadium stage and make the long walk to town.