Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja on Monday, March 13, maintained that there were no plans to ban private vehicles from accessing the city's Central Business District (CBD).
Speaking during an interview on NTV, the county boss acknowledged that matatus needed to be given priority since they transport many people per trip compared to private vehicles.
This had led to recommendations that private vehicles be banned from the CBD in a move aimed at creating a seamless transport system in the capital.
As an alternative, Sakaja stated that they would introduce more charges for private vehicles within the CBD including a new parking fee model.
"A vehicle carrying more people should be given priority but I cannot ban them from CBD. They will just pay more. We are planning on doing hourly parking.
"In other cities, there is something called congestion tax and pollution tax. But before that, let me bring an alternative," Sakaja stated.
On the other hand, he added that the county government would also introduce a new model that will see owners of private vehicles link to the CBD using the Bus Rapid Transport System (BRT).
"For example, those from Ngong road can leave their vehicles around the city mortuary or Kenyatta market at the parking silos and then get into BRT to head to town," he explained.
Regarding the commencement of the BRT, he asserted that the rollout would begin in the coming weeks with a number of investors showing interest in the mega transport project that has taken years to kick off.
He explained that the delays had been occasioned by a Cabinet memo that was yet to be released.
"The European Investment Bank has millions ready. There was a cabinet memo that had been delayed but I have been able to talk to President William Ruto and it will be issued next week.
"I have also been engaging with Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to ensure that all road projects are undertaken. BRT will happen because that is the way forward," he asserted.
