The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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The standoff between Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga and matatu operators over the relocation of public service vehicles from the town’s CBD to the Field Marshal Muthoni Kirima terminus has deepened, with the county boss insisting the directive will stand.
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Speaking during a funeral service in Kieni East, Kahiga said he would not be intimidated by threats or political pressure from those opposing the move.
“PSV matatus must relocate. That is not up for debate. Some are threatening to deny me votes, but I am not moved. Just like the late John Michuki reformed the matatu sector, we too must reorganize our transport system,” he said.
The governor temporarily allowed matatus to operate from town earlier in the week to avoid inconveniencing learners reporting back to school, but declared that as from tomorrow, no vehicle would be allowed to pick or drop passengers in the CBD.
He added that Nyeri could not continue tolerating a chaotic transport system while other urban areas had embraced order. “If doing the right thing denies me political reward, so be it. Leadership is about making tough but necessary decisions,” he said.
The High Court has already upheld the county government’s plan to move matatus to the new terminus, dismissing petitions by operators who argued the relocation undermined their livelihoods and lacked adequate public participation.
Last week, the county executive for transport, Eng. Abdil Hanif, announced that from August 25, all PSV vehicles, including Sientas, would operate from the new facility. He warned that failure to comply would amount to contempt of court and violation of county laws.
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Earlier, Kahiga had postponed the relocation to allow for a smoother transition and formed a 22-member committee to oversee the process.
The new Sh500 million terminus, built under the World Bank’s Kenya Urban Support Programme, is equipped with 240 matatu, bus, taxi and tuk-tuk bays, 1,000 business stalls, 40 parking bays, passenger waiting areas, sanitation blocks, and waste management facilities. It is expected to decongest Nyeri town and promote economic growth through improved transport infrastructure.
Despite the ruling and assurances, matatu operators remain opposed, claiming the relocation will drive them away from their customer base in the CBD and cripple businesses they have built over decades.
