Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has taken a U-turn on his decision to ban PSVs from accessing the central business district (CBD).
In a press statement released on Tuesday, Sonko suspended full implementation of the ban.
“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,” the statement read in part.
The decision was made after realisation that many innocent commuters, including senior citizens, those with health challenges requiring emergency medical attention, expectant mothers and children travelling with their parents, all suffered untold inconvenience.
The ban took effect on December 3 barring Public Transport Vehicles from the Nairobi Central Business District.
“It also became clear that it is necessary to have contingent measures before enforcement of such key decisions.”
Sonko further stated that the suspension would facilitate further consultation with all affected parties in order to find a lasting solution.
“We cannot pretend to be moving forward when every day, we are stuck in traffic jams for hours. People are forced to wake up before dawn to try and “beat” the same traffic. This is what my Government seeks a solution for,” he added.
Nairobi Senator Johnston Sakaja on Monday moved to court to try and resolve the transport crisis occasioned by the ban on matatus from accessing the CBD.
The Senator filed a case seeking to suspend the implementation of the ban until the County Government provides an alternative solution.
