Matatu Operators Block Moi Avenue Over Parking Evictions
Nairobi, 10 February 2025
Sections of Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) were rendered impassable on Monday after matatu operators blocked key roads in protest against eviction from designated parking spots and stages. This marked the second wave of demonstrations in less than two weeks.
Operators parked their vehicles along Moi Avenue near Kencom and the Ambassador area, obstructing traffic and forcing motorists to seek alternative routes. Despite belonging to different SACCOs, the matatu operators appeared united, citing the lack of alternative parking spaces and concerns over a popular SACCO allegedly attempting to monopolize the industry.
The blocked PSVs serve routes including Ngong Road/Kawangware, Utawala, Buruburu, Ngong, and Pipeline/Donholm. While the protests were largely peaceful, police struggled to restore order due to the sheer number of vehicles and operators involved.
This demonstration follows a previous standoff on 30 January, when matatu operators clashed with hawkers after Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja relocated hawkers to backstreets, freeing pedestrian walkways but restricting key pick-up and drop-off areas for operators. Temporary mediation led by Chief Officer of Mobility Michael Waikenda provided a short-lived truce.
Matatu operators insist that their ability to operate efficiently in the CBD remains hampered by insufficient parking spaces, signaling continued tensions between public transport operators, city authorities, and other street users.