Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has temporarily lifted the ban on Matatus not entering the Nairobi CBD, to pave way for more consultations.
This comes as a shocking u-turn from his earlier stand on Monday, where he had told a senate committee that there is no going back on the decision to bar public vehicles from entering the Nairobi CBD.
“I have noted with deep concern, the plight of Nairobi Residents as a result of the ban, and hereby announce that the full of implementation of this directive has been suspended with immediate effect.” Reads part of a statement send to newsrooms.
According to the governor, the move is to facilitate further consultation with all affected parties in order to find a lasting solution to the problem of vehicular congestion.
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.
Well that is Nairobi for you. It seems the ban was short lived. Shorter than Sonko’s fake American accent.