Matatu Owners Association (MOA) Chairman Simon Kimutai has protested the relocation of matatus plying Ngong and Mombasa roads to the completed multi-million Green Park terminus.
Kimutai argued that they were frustrated by the Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) project as the Director-General Mohamed Badi wasn't forthright with the intentions of the ban.
He added that the agency had locked them out of discussions and the effect was witnessed during the confusion that marred the NMS test run on Tuesday, April 28.
The MOA chairman further alleged that cartels were coordinating in cahoots with some NMS officials to rip off matatu operators through shady deals conducted at the terminus.
"We need to be involved by the government as we are the key stakeholders. This is a business that we have invested in and we do not want to see anyone who has not invested being involved in.
"Some cartels are hiding behind masks pretending to represent us. This will lead to the collapse of this project," the matatu boss cautioned, adding that they had gotten wind of a plan to charge PSVs Ksh100 to operate at the terminus.
Kimutai not only warned NMS that they would oppose the plan and would not relocate to the terminus but would frustrate every effort to ban matatus from the CBD.
On Tuesday, April 27, NMS Transport and Public Works Director - Engineer Michael Ochieng acknowledged that the project needed further analysis and consideration before being effected.
Ochieng stated that they had noted shortfalls and loopholes which would dent the ban of matatus from CBD. These include last-mile connectivity - how commuters, pedestrians and cyclists would access CBD from the terminus and how the disabled and those with goods will be assisted.
"Today is just the beginning but we want to ensure that the operation of the terminus is safe, works well and addresses the concerns of commuters and matatu operators to give them better service," Ochieng assured.
