The Nairobi City County Government now wants Matatu Owners to ensure their vehicles leave the stages to allow for cleaning.
In a notice dated January 13, county Chief Officer for environment Geoffrey Mosiria, on behalf of acting county secretary and head of county public service, said it had been noted that some of the matatus are not well maintained and are abandoned in the open spaces.
Mosiria further directed that all abandoned vehicles in stages be removed with immediate effect.
“The Nairobi City County Government has observed that many matatu stages remain occupied by vehicles during the night, hindering cleaning activities. Additionally, some vehicles are not maintained in a clean state, abandoned in the open spaces and not managing their waste properly contributing to environmental degradation,” Mosiria said.
“All vehicles vacate the stages during designated cleaning hours at night to allow our environment staff to conduct thorough cleaning.”
To address this, the Governor Johnson Sakaja-led administration said that going forward, all vehicles must maintain cleanliness.
It said this will improve the overall state of the environment within the city and they must subscribe to a licensed waste service provider to manage any waste generated by their operations.
The Chief Officer further directed that all matatus must stop unnecessary hooting and loud music causing nuisance within the city.
City Hall said compliance with these directives is crucial in creating a clean and orderly city, further warning that non-compliance will attract enforcement actions as provided by the law.
“Let us collaborate to enhance Nairobi's image and maintain a sustainable urban environment,” the county CO said.
This comes a few days after the NCCG directed hawkers to move away from the central business district and only operate in the backstreets.
In a notice dated January 6, City Hall said hawkers will only be allowed to operate in designated backstreets from 4 pm.
“No hawking will be allowed on the main streets and roads i.e. Moi Avenue, Haile Selassie Avenue, Kenneth Matiba Road, Latema Road, Ronald Ngala Street, Mfangano Street, Hakati Road and River Road.
“All walkways within the central business district are strictly for pedestrians and not trading,” the notice by Acting County Secretary Godfrey Akumali read in part.
