Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, on Thursday, April 27, proposed scrapping parking fees on Saturdays and Sundays within Nairobi Central Business District (CBD).
Speaking during the presentation of the Finance Bill 2023, Governor Sakaja implored the county executives to adopt the changes exempting motorists from paying weekend parking fees within the CBD.
The first-time governor defended his proposal, indicating that it was key to spurring business within the city centre noting that the move would also bolster the county revenue collection channels.
"When the Finance Bill 2023 is approved by the County Assembly. I propose not to charge weekend parking fees in Nairobi.
"This will encourage business establishments to open during the weekend and also provide an opportunity for Nairobi residents to support businesses and accord them an opportunity to transact on the weekends," Sakaja indicated.
To facilitate its implementation, Sakaja vowed to collaborate with relevant security agencies to accord visitors in Nairobi CBD security while transacting.
Additionally, the former Senator insisted that the move is primed to make Nairobi match other global cities through the weekend business vibrancy.
"We also want to attract more visitors to the CBD during weekends. I will ensure security provisions around the clock.
"Other leading cities in the world are very vibrant during the weekends. Nairobi should adopt the same vibrancy as this will ensure growth," Sakaja insisted.
Besides allowing motorists to park for free on the weekends, Sakaja initiated the process of allocating dropping-off and pick-up points within Nairobi CDB for digital hailing drivers.
Sakaja's proposal came amidst Nairobi County's plans to address hawkers' encroachment in the CBD.
In a media interview on Wednesday, April 26, Sakaja reiterated that the county had earmarked some streets where traders would be allocated spaces.
Backstreets identified by Nairobi County included lanes in Dubois, Sotik, Turkana, Posta, and Kirinyaga Lane.
"Nairobi City County Government has initiated the process of relocating informal traders operating within the Central Business District to the backstreet lanes," a statement released by Nairobi County dated Wednesday, February 22, read in part.
The County also vowed to erect shades and install electricity to help them conduct their businesses effectively.
