Why the Matatu CBD ban is bound to fail

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Will the Matatu CBD ban provide a lasting solution to the congestion and state of traffic in Nairobi county? Many Kenyans have today been forced to walk into town as Matatu denied entry into the CBD. The question that many are asking is how long will this last?

Starting from today, December 3; Matatus are no longer allowed to enter the Nairobi city centre as City Hall moves to effect a ban aimed at decongesting the capital.

It is only day one of the Matatu CBD ban yet many are convinced that it will not go any further as the Michuki rules and matatu crackdown. This could only be a  temporary solution but the government has been advised to be more realistic on the fact that there is no single stage that can accommodate all vehicles.

Even so, was there any public participation before this directive was issued? Probably not and imposing of rules can never work so well in a country that is aware of their democratic rights.

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Already Kenyans have complained on how this is affecting their travel and their daily routines. Some have said that the ban is not the issue; the issue is that there is no alternative means that was provided or suggested.

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Analysts have said that this directive was not well planned or thought out and worse even there was not enough awareness that was created and many Kenyans might be clueless about this particular directive.

This ban has been criticized as some Kenyans feel that it will lead to the rise of insecurity cases. Creating jobs for more pickpockets and thieves of the broad daylight.

Congestion of the cars will be limited but with more people on foot this could pose a huge threat. Kenyans have also raised the issue of the physically challenged all those who cannot walk what then is their fate?

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Earlier last week during the blue Economy there was a poster that suggested that Nairobi is set to introduce water transport by using the river to to reduce congestion on the roads. A move that was also  said to be pretty lame having that most of the rivers are either on encroached land or polluted with garbage.

The government has been urged to think through and come up with a sustainable solution by creating a better transport system.

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