Matatus Block Nairobi Expressway Entrance After Restrictions 

Matatus block Westlands Roundabout on Tuesday, May 19, 2022.
Matatus block Westlands Roundabout on Tuesday, May 19, 2022.
File

Transport along the busy Waiyaki Way was disrupted on Thursday, May 19 after a section of matatus blocked The Mall entrance of the Nairobi Expressway in Westlands. 

In videos seen by Kenyans.co.ke, PSV operators staged a protest, blocking both sides of the road, affecting traffic flow.

It is reported that the PSV operators were protesting the removal of a stage around the Westlands roundabout to pave way for the Expressway toll station. 

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Motorists who were caught in the early morning melee, decried the move as they had to spend more than an hour in traffic, with some matatus seeking alternative roots. 

An official of the Moja Expressway company who spoke to Kenyans.co.ke confirmed that they were aware of the situation and were working to resolve the matter. 

At the time of publishing this article, police officers had arrived at the scene to restore order. The officers lobbed teargas canisters to disperse the crowd that was milling around the area. 

A section of the rowdy protestors were apprehended by police officers who tried to ease the traffic situation. 

"Fully support the Westlands stage demos by matatus. Absolutely doesn't make sense to remove a stage used by many for the convenience of a few."

"There is a mad Traffic along Waiyaki way. Between Cooperation and Westlands it's taken me 2 hours and now back towards Kangemi connect via James Gichuru- Lavington to town!" read some of the reviews online. 

Motorists were advised to use alternative routes in order to avoid  the early morning traffic. 

This comes barely days after the 27-kilometre Nairobi Expressway was opened on a trial basis this past weekend. Since its opening, a section of motorists lamented about the cost of using the road, terming it unsustainable. 

Matatus block a section of The Mall roundabout in Westlands on Thursday, May 19, 2022.
Matatus block a section of The Mall roundabout in Westlands on Thursday, May 19, 2022.
File