Nairobi County Environment Chief Officer Geoffrey Mosiria has directed matatu operators in the Central Business District (CBD) to be mindful of fellow business owners and regulate their noise.
In a statement after making rounds in the CBD on Tuesday, Mosiria clarified that he was not seeking to arrest the operators, urging them to self-regulate.
"I call upon all matatu operators to be mindful of their neighbours in the CBD as they conduct their business," his statement read in part.
"Our goal is not to arrest you but to encourage self-regulation. However, those who refuse to comply will face enforcement action in line with these laws.
He noted that the noise made by the operators, either when beckoning passengers or by their matatus, caused noise pollution that affected the needs of those who own offices, colleges, and other businesses that require a clean and healthy environment.
Mosiria highlighted the Environmental Management and Coordination Act (EMCA), Cap 387, and the Environmental Management and Coordination (Noise and Excessive Vibration Pollution) Control Regulations, 2009, which criminalise causing unnecessary noise or vibrations that interfere with the comfort, health, or safety of others.
During an interview with Kenyans.co.ke on February 11, Mosiria indicated that the county was working on a plan to reduce noise pollution in the CBD.
Among measures he mentioned were ones affecting matatu operations, including requiring all matatus to mute their music once they enter Nairobi CBD and only blast their music after they leave.
“When they are in the CBD, they should not play loud music. We have businesses, colleges, and such,” he said, adding, “You can play your music as you leave the CBD.”
Another plan was that matatu touts and bus stop conductors (kamageras) would no longer be allowed to shout and call people to board the matatus and would only be allowed to hold placards showing their routes and bus fares without shouting.
This directive comes just a day after the Chief Officer announced an incentive of Ksh10,000 to Nairobi residents who reported scrap metal dealers buying newly installed dustbins in the CBD. Ksh5,000 would be awarded to anyone who spotted individuals vandalising and fleeing with the dustbins.
The move is among the measures being taken by the County to restore cleanliness and order in the city.
