13 Matatu SACCOs warn of Nairobi transport shutdown as EPRA petrol station ban sparks court battle

A major transport standoff is looming in Nairobi after 13 matatu SACCOs threatened to go on strike over a directive banning the picking and dropping of passengers at petrol stations within the CBD.

The SACCOs on Monday, November 17, filed an urgent application at the High Court seeking to stop EPRA from enforcing the ban, arguing that it was abrupt, punitive, and designed to frustrate their day-to-day operations.

They accused both EPRA and the Nairobi County government of harassment, warning that the move could cripple public transport and disrupt livelihoods for thousands of workers who depend on the sector.

Speaking outside the courthouse, one of the directors said the directive unfairly targeted matatus, despite similar activities taking place at fuel stations across the country.

“EPRA has written to us, in collaboration with Nairobi County, telling us to leave petrol stations. We have contributed so much to the economy, so this ban is punitive. We transport everyone including the sick and frail. How do you tell them to walk long distances to a terminus?” he posed.

The SACCOs further argued that there has never been a documented safety incident linked to PSV operations at Nairobi petrol stations.

Through their lawyers, Danstan Omari and Stanley Kinyanjui, the operators asked the court to fast-track the matter, insisting the petition would be meaningless if conservatory orders were not granted immediately.

The conflict comes as City Hall pushes for all matatus to relocate to the Greenpark Terminus, a project intended to decongest the CBD. Despite upgrades, matatu operators say the terminus remains impractical due to its distance from key city access points.

Unless the court intervenes swiftly, the SACCOs warn, Nairobi may face a full-blown transport paralysis.