Murkomen Allows Matatus To Use Nairobi Expressway

Transport Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen on Thursday, July 13 abolished a ban imposed on matatus on the Nairobi Expressway following a series of accidents in 2022 that resulted from overspeeding.

In a statement seen by Viral Tea, the matatus were allowed to use the 27.1-kilometre elevated road on condition that they observe traffic rules.

Murkomen added that the government will work with Moja Expressway Company to monitor the usage of the Nairobi Expressway and ensure all motorists adhere to the provisions of the Traffic Act.

"Over the months, there has been a gradual increase in the traffic volume with many motorists expressing their satisfaction with the services offered by the Nairobi Expressway. In light of this, I wish to announce that the Government has lifted the suspension of PSVs from using Nairobi Expressway effective immediately," Murkomen announced.

The government through the then Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia had banned matatus from using the road on July 6, 2022, over isolated safety incidents and road carnage.

However, the CS noted that the decision to lift the ban will have a direct and positive impact on the country's economy as well as create more jobs and ensure effective mobility across the city.

The Expressway was built to address traffic congestion on major roads that include Mombasa Road, reducing the hours lost as well as billions of shillings wasted during Kenyans' daily commutes and trips.

"This decision is in line with the Government's focus on making Kenya a global leader in the provision of transport and logistics a key driver of sustainable economic development," the CS added.

Murkomen noted that over the months, there has been a gradual increase in the traffic volume with many motorists expressing their satisfaction with the services offered by the Nairobi Expressway.

Most notably, on February 6 2023, Moja recorded 10 million trips on the toll road which is a testament to the confidence in the efficiency and convenience that the expressway offers. 

On Wednesday, July 12, Moja closed sections of the road indefinitely following the anti-government protests that saw the multi-billion road extensively damaged as well as toll services at Mlolongo, Syokimau and Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) toll stations stopped temporarily.

"For your safety, we urge all motorists plying the Westlands-Mlolongo route to exit from JKIA and Mlolongo-Westlands bound motorists to safely join the Nairobi Expressway from JKIA Toll Station," the operator announced.

"We ask for your patience as we restore the road to its original state and heighten security before the resumption of operations in the 3 affected Toll Stations."

This came as CS Murkomen vowed to use CCTV footage and media reports to crack down on those who vandalised the Expressway during the protests.

Protestors vandalise Nairobi Expressway toll stations and light up tyres near Mlolongo, Machakos County on July 12, 2023. /KIMANI ICHUNG'WAH