Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) has ordered matatus to return to the city center after matatu operators and commuters complained about confusion, traffic jams, and long lines that marred the morning test run.
NMS had previously stated that the phased test run would continue until Sunday, June 26, when further communication would be made.
The chairman of the Matatu Owners Association, Simon Kimutai, criticized the test run, claiming that the terminal itself was a failure.
“The city planners did a poor job and it is evident that Nairobi does not have transport planners,” he said.
“Consultation is key and without it, this city will not move away from congested roads,” he added.
According to the chairman, the test run will remain a failure due to the county government’s failure to provide holding grounds.
The test run on Wednesday was only for matatus operating on the Rongai, Kiserian, Ngong, Karen, Lang’ata, Nairobi West/Madaraka, Kibra, Kawangware, Dagoretti/Satellite, Kilimani, Highrise/Ngumo, and Kikuyu routes.
However, by noon, matatus had returned to their CBD staging areas near Railways, Agro House and Kencom among other places.
