Mombasa and Taita Taveta counties have agreed to end the parking space impasse at Mwembe Tayari.
The Public Service Vehicle operators will continue managing designated parking slots in Mombasa as officials from both counties step in to resolve the parking dispute that has existed for years.
The two counties have agreed to form a joint task force to engage members manning the disputed stage and submit resolutions to officials to find a sustainable solution.
The joint task force has been given seven days to submit a report on proposals to manage the parking lot and avert further wrangles between matatu operators from the two devolved units.
In a meeting on Tuesday, Mombasa executive for Transport Daniel Manyola underscored the need to end the wrangles that have threatened to disrupt matatu operations at the Kobil stage.
Manyola said the county government is committed to creating a conducive environment for the transport sector.
"The team should make a report that is law-abiding and that favours matatu operators and not brokers. This stalemate must end to allow smooth operation of the Public Service Vehicles," he said.
He said the devolved unit is keen on unlocking its economic potential by streamlining challenges that might hinder people from accessing the coastal town.
His Taita Taveta counterpart Martin Tairo reaffirmed the county government’s support for the matatu industry, calling on operators to embrace the Matatu Operators Association.
"We need to embrace the association that acts as a unifying factor for the matatu operators. This will help operators realise the association's goal of helping promote the economy," Tairo said.
He said the government will assist the association to iron out all pending issues affecting their operations in a bid to improve the economy.
He further urged operators to uphold the law and decency while undertaking their duties.
Taita Taveta matatu operators who have for years used the Mwembe Tayari parking space want Mombasa county to designate the area as their official passenger picking and dropping site.
Taita Taveta County Matatu Operators Association chairman Bigvai Mwailemi lauded the joint meeting, noting that it will help end the stalemate.
He said the tussle over the parking space has negatively affected their operations in Mombasa as many vehicles lack space to load and offload.
Mwailemi expressed hope that the joint team will finally bring to an end the contention over parking space.
