Nairobi governor, Johnson Sakaja, ordered a crackdown on unauthorised vehicles operating in the Central Business District (CBD).
While announcing the operation, Sakaja lamented that unlicensed vehicles, including Noah, Voxy, Sientas and Tuktuks, among others, were operating in the CBD without conforming with city laws.
"I don’t want to see those small vehicles operating as PSVs in the CBD, they should be removed immediately.
"If we allow such (the vehicles operating in CBD) to continue, it will lead to anarchy," Sakaja stated.
The first time city boss indicated that the operation would cover the Upper Hill area and other city areas where unlicensed motorists act as Public Service Vehicles (PSVs).
While defending the move, the former Nairobi senator stated that the move was key to restoring sanity in the city.
At the same time, Sakaja revoked impounding of vehicles in the CBD, adding that the city will set up by-laws that target motorists flouting traffic rules.
Additionally, he tasked PSVs to self-regulate following the revocation of impounding of vehicles by county askaris.
"From today, impounding of vehicles has been revoked, but you have to promise me that you will instil discipline in the sector," the Governor stated.
"I am giving you this week to pay and regularize your licenses, failure to do so, you will have to get out of the CBD," he added.
According to the Nairobi county boss, non-compliance had led to revenue losses and thus risked getting rid of matatus and other PSVs which had not met the threshold to operate in the CBD.
"Between 10,000 to 11,000 vehicles are non-compliant. This is a new administration and we must follow the law," Sakaja reiterated.
While issuing the directive, Sakaja further revealed that some PSV operators had forged licences to operate in Nairobi CBD.
During the meeting, Sakaja also clarified that the Green Park terminal would be opened on December 1, which will serve long-distance PSVs in a bid to decongest Nairobi CBD.
