Nairobi motorists have received relief after a court extended orders barring the county government from increasing parking fees for both private cars and matatu operators.
According to Justice Anthony Mrima of the Nairobi High Court, Nairobi motorists will continue to pay Ksh200 parking fees instead of the proposed Ksh400.
Further, the judge suspended the County's decision to raise seasonal parking rates for matatus. Initially, fees for 14-seater Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) had been increased from Ksh3,650 to Ksh5,000, a 32 seater would have paid Ksh8,000 from the current 5,250 while a 51-seater would pay Ksh10,000 up from Ksh7,500.
Reports indicate that the orders were extended after two petitions were filed by both the Matatu Owners Association and Consumer Federation of Kenya (COFEK).
Through lawyer Henry Kurauka, the entities argued that the fee increment was unreasonable and did not involve public participation according to Article 10 of the constitution.
"The national values and principles of governance in this Article bind all State organs, State officers, public officers and all persons whenever any of them makes or implements public policy decisions," reads part of the constitution.
Kurauka stated that the hike in parking fees would result in increased fares which would further hurt commuters who would have to part with more cash in order to access the city.
“The economy has shrunk compelling the Central Bank of Kenya to cut its projected growth rate for this year. The timing of increasing parking fees is wrong and hurriedly implemented without proper and adequate notice to the public,” Kurauka stated.
Justice Mrima ruled that the temporal order would remain in force until Wednesday, April 21 when the case is heard.
The previous notice had been issued by City hall in December 2019 announcing the hiking of parking fees to Nairobi motorists.
The Nairobi county government had argued that the price increment was according to the Finance Act, 2019.
