Government lifts ban of PSVs from Nairobi Expressway

Roads and Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen. [Silas Otieno, Standard]

The Government has lifted the suspension barring Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) from using the Nairobi Expressway.

Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced the lifting of the suspension on Thursday, July 13, saying it will boost mobility across the city.

"I wish to announce that the Government has lifted the suspension of PSVs from using Nairobi Expressway effective immediately. "I believe that this will have a direct and positive impact on the country's economy, create more jobs, and ensure effective mobility across the city," said Murkomen.

The Transport CS added that allowing PSVs to now use the 27-kilometre Expressway also paves the way for Kenya to be a global leader in the provision of transport and logistics a key driver of sustainable economic development.

The CS noted that matatu operators have taken the necessary steps to ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy, whilst urging all motorists to adhere to traffic rules.

The suspension was implemented over a year ago, on July 6, 2022, after several matatus were involved in accidents while using the Expressway.

This forced matatu operators to undergo sensitization on proper road usage and safety.

His statement comes a day after three toll stations at Mlolongo, Syokimau, and SGR stations were temporarily closed after rowdy youths vandalized a section of the Expressway during the anti-Government protests.

Murkomen would later condemn the acts of vandalism and destruction of public infrastructure.

"We have asked the Director of Criminal Investigations to carry out thorough investigations and ensure perpetrators are apprehended and punished. As a country, we cannot normalize such acts of violence, lawlessness, and vandalism committed on the pretext of exercising political rights."

The CS is expected to conduct an inspection of the road to assess the damages.