Transport paralysed in Nairobi as matatus fail to comply with rules

(PHOTO: FILE ARCHIVES)

Transport services in various parts in Kenya were paralyzed as PSV owners withdrew their vehicles from the roads due to non-compliance with the new rules regulating the sector.

In Nairobi, very few matatus operated in the morning. Commuters were forced to use the train service or endure walking to various places of work and business. The few vehicles operating had raised their fares in some cases,  threefold. Some non-compliant vehicles resolved not to get within the town so as to evade inspections by traffic officers.

Places affected included South C, Athi River, Ngon'g and Umoja.

In other parts of the country away from the capital, transport services ran in most cases without much event. In Homabay and Siaya, transport were not paralyzed as public service vehicles continued their operations as usual.

This comes a day after the courts declined to suspended the new regulations. The High Court however suspended a rule requiring removal of roof racks from public transport vehicles.

High Court Judge George Odunga, however allowed the case to proceed and said the ruling on whether the new transport rules should be enforced is expected on Tuesday.

PSV owners had moved to court to stop the implementation of the rules as they requested more time to be compliant.