Paralysis as talks over parking fees collapse
Talks between Governor Evans Kidero and striking matatu operators over the increased parking fees collapsed dramatically on Wednesday.
Mr Kidero insisted that matatu operators must pay the new parking fees, even as transport within the city remained crippled by the strike.
Earlier in the day, the Governor had expressed willingness to negotiate the increased parking fees with the matatu operators, but had insisted that they withdraw their vehicles from blocking roads.
“I have met with the public transport stakeholders and urged them to end the strike before we continue with talks. Inconvenience is regretted,” Kidero said on his twitter account.
The operators refused to meet the condition, with some chanting ” Kidero must go”.
Nairobi Senator Mike Sonko held a seperate press conference at 680 hotel, together with Matatu Welfare Association chairman Dickson Mbugua, where he said he will raise the matter in Senate during the afternoon session.
Under the new parking fee regime, 14-seater matatus are to pay Sh5,000, 41-seater matatus to pay Sh8,000, while 41 seater matatus are to pay Sh7,250.