You Will Soon Park In Nairobi CBD For Free On Weekends- Sakaja

The first-time governor argued that his proposal would be key to bolstering businesses in the city centre...

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Apr 27, 2023 - 12:45 Updated: Apr 27, 2023 - 12:46
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You Will Soon Park In Nairobi CBD For Free On Weekends- Sakaja
Cars parked in Nairobi CBD. /FILE

You will soon not pay parking fees on Saturdays and Sundays within Nairobi Central Business District (CBD), according to Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja.

Speaking on Thursday, April 27 during the presentation of the 2023 Finance Bill, Sakaja proposed to county executives the scrapping of parking charges during the weekends to encourage motorists to drive to the CBD.

The first-time governor argued that his proposal would be key to bolstering businesses in the city centre as well as avenues of county revenue collection.

"When the Finance Bill 2023 is approved by the County Assembly. I propose not to charge weekend parking fees in Nairobi.

"This will encourage business establishments to open during the weekend and also provide an opportunity for Nairobi residents to support businesses and accord them an opportunity to transact on the weekends," Sakaja indicated.

The county boss further assured traders and city residents of enhanced security to create a thriving environment for businesses during the weekends and to draw in more visitors to the capital.

He made reference to other world-leading cities which come alive across all sectors during the weekends, including economic and recreational.

"We also want to attract more visitors to the CBD during weekends. I will ensure security provisions around the clock.

"Other leading cities in the world are very vibrant during the weekends. Nairobi should adopt the same vibrancy as this will ensure growth," he added.

Currently, motorists pay Ksh200 for parking within the city centre. The Nairobi County government on Friday, April 14 however drafted a policy that will see city motorists pay for parking hourly.

If adopted, motorists will pay Ksh100 in the first hour and Ksh50 for the subsequent hours they park in the city centre.

“We have seen that especially in CBD, the demand for parking is high than the supply. We have proposed in the next financial bill to increase the amount of money that one pays for parking.

"We will be billing hourly meaning that the more you stay in CBD, the more you pay. This will increase the parking revenue and discourage congestion,” Nairobi County Chief Officer of Mobility Boniface Nyamu explained.

Transport and Transport and Public Works chairman Mark Ronaldo, who is also the Umoja 1 MCA, challenged the proposal arguing that it will lead to higher costs for city residents who drive to work.

For a resident who works in the city centre and arrives at work at 8 am and leaves at 5 pm, one will be required to pay Ksh500, but those who arrive early and stay longer will pay up to Ksh600 or more. This translates to between Ksh8,000 and Ksh12,000 per month.

An aerial image of cars parked in Nairobi CBD. /CAPITAL GROUP

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