High Court Blocks Sonko's CBD Plan After Outcry

The High Court has halted the implementation of new parking fees in Nairobi County set to take effect on Wednesday, December 4.

High Court Judge James Makau ordered the implementation to be put to hold warning the Nairobi County parking officials against charging the increased amounts.

According to K24 Tv, the decision came after the Consumer Federation of Kenya COFEK sued Nairobi county of implementing the rules that would adversely affect a large number of Kenyans.

Parking along Moi avenue in  Nairobi

In the suit against Governor Mike Sonko's administration in the county that was made on December 3, the Consumer Federation of Kenya said the notice given to the public was too short, and Kenyans would find it hard to adapt within the notice. 

As quoted by the Daily Nation, Cofek claimed that the decision was unreasonable, punitive and discriminatory and that pubic participation did not take place.

The lobby further argued that parking services director Tom Tinega lacked the mandate to set timelines for commencement of the Finance Act 2019.

“The purported notice to increase parking fees with effect from December 4 is unreasonable, irrational, unjust and offends the spirit of the Constitution. If implemented, the rights of consumers will be greatly infringed,” remarked Mr Henry Kurauka for Cofek as quoted by Daily Nation. 

The county parking officials have been ordered against the implementation of new parking fees

“Most vehicle owners will not afford to pay the increased parking charges because of the harsh economic reality.” he added.

According to a statement from the county on December 2, the Nairobi county assembly passed a law on September 25, which recommended an increase of parking fees in the CBD and along Kijabe Street from Ksh200 to Ksh400.

The Act further indicated that private vehicles pay Sh7,000 for a one-month seasonal parking ticket, Sh18,000 for three months, Sh32,000 for six months or Sh55,000 for a year. 

Parties that lose parking tickets were to pay Sh1,000 per ticket to get another copy of the seasonal ticket.