Sigh of relief to PSV operators and boda bodas in Nairobi after Governor Johnson Sakaja bans impounding within the CBD.
Speaking on Friday, the county boss said that the exercise has been of no benefit claiming that the impounded charges don't reach the county revenue accounts.
“From today impounding of vehicles has been revoked, but you have to promise me that you will instill discipline in the sector,” Sakaja said.
Impounding charges for PSVs in the city range from Sh10,000 while breakdown charges are Sh7,500
In 2019, the Ombudsman said that city hall should stop impounding motor vehicles and motorcycles until a law backing such actions is put in place.
The Office of Administrative Justice said the inspectorate department was illegally impounding vehicles and imposing penalties.
According to the Ombudsman, the department had been operating without relevant legislation and has been using the defunct Nairobi city council by-laws.
Speaking in a meeting with the Matatu Owners Association, Sakaja invited the PSV sector to work with his administration in enhancing compliance, so as to restore sanity in the city.
Going further, the Governor called on all PSVs to be compliant .
He asked those who are yet to comply to do so before they are kicked out of the CBD.
“Between 10,000 to 11,000 vehicles are non-compliant. This is a new administration and we must follow the law,” Sakaja said.
Currently, there are 450 registered Saccos in the city and about 21,000 vehicles.