Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko has suspended the matatu CBD ban with immediate effect.
In a statement, the Governor said the suspension is to allow for talks with all affected parties.
“I have noted with deep concern the plight of Nairobi residents as a result of the ban, and hereby announce that the full implementation of this directive has been suspended with immediate effect. This is to facilitate further consultation with all affected parties, in order to find a lasting solution to the problem of vehicular congestion,” part of Sonko’s statement.
The move comes as music to city residents who had to walk for long distances to work as the ban came to effect on Monday morning. Pictures posted on social media showed passengers crowded at the designated bus stations.
Nairobi Senator Johnson Sakaja and Matatu Owners association (MOA) filed petitions in court to challenge the ban.
Sonko, has however maintained that the ban was well intentioned but it is necessary to ‘have contingent measures before enforcement of such key decisions.’
The governor has promised to hold discussions with affected parties in the coming days, with a view to agreeing an acceptable solution that has less negative impact on all affected.
BREAKING: Nairobi Governor suspends ban on matatus accessing the CBD.
Mike Sonko: I have noted with deep concern the plight of Nairobi residents as a result of the ban and the full implementation of this directive is therefore suspended.#DayBreak #MatatuCBDBan #MikeSonko pic.twitter.com/0diuKw8SGs
— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) December 4, 2018
Well that is Nairobi for you. It seems the ban was short lived. Shorter than Sonko’s fake American accent.
Governor Mike Sonko yesterday maintained he will not abandon his resolve to bring order to the chaotic matatu sector.
“We must restore order in the county’s transport system. We’re working on an amicable solution to the transport mess. I know Nairobians are suffering but walking is also healthy,” he told the Senate County Public Accounts and Investment Committee.
He was summoned over queries raised by Auditor General Edward Ouko over the county’s 2014-15 expenditure.
Sonko urged residents to support the cause.
NAIROBI GOVERNOR Mike Sonko suspends matatu CBD ban with immediate effect; says move to allow for talks with all affected parties. #MatatuCBDBan pic.twitter.com/B7OUjtUeFs
— NationBreakingNews (@NationBreaking) December 4, 2018
He said his administration and the national government will provide a public transport system to ease movement of people living with disability from the designated out-of-town termini to the CBD.
“We are already engaging the national government. We are looking for NYS buses to help transport people with disability. From Muthurwa to the CBD is a one-minute walk. Many people don’t go to the gym. We want them to be fit,” the county chief said.
However, his directive to suspend the ban comes after an outcry from residents who yesterday were reckoned with agony as they walked long distances to trace their termini.