Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika has allowed Public Service Vehicles back into the Central Business District after a two years ban.
The governor said that the access will be granted before Christmas day for 18 months when the construction of the modern matatu park will have been completed.
The PSVs are, however, expected to follow stringent measures by the county government to maintain order.
Further, Kihika said that she was fulfilling the promise she had made to the matatu industry during the campaigns.
“I campaigned on the platform of uplifting hustlers’ businesses. The ban had affected businesses because Nakuru is a transport and business hub. Why should you allow passenger vehicles carrying one passenger into the CBD but ban a matatu with 15 passengers? Does it make sense?” Kihika said.
The governor, however, gave procedures to be followed to maintain law and order.
Among the orders given will be the lapse of access to the CBD in 18 months once the construction of the modern matatu park is completed.
The Kes 269 million modern bus park will consist of Sacco offices, passenger sheds, power and gatehouses, public toilets, a fire fighting system, parking, walkways, and mast lights, among other amenities.
“I have allowed the matatus back to the CBD because I promised to do so, but this will be temporary as we complete the construction of a modern bus park. When the park is completed, we will allocate spaces,” she said.
However, the governor said failure to comply with laid out regulations will amount to withdrawing the allocated spaces and subsequently giving them to another SACCO.
Some of the regulations include tenancy revocation for the entire Sacco if any of their vehicles picks up or drops passengers in areas that are not designated.
PSVs are only expected to operate in the designated terminus, which will be planned to factor in other businesses such as stores, toilets and other amenities.
Kihika said toilets will be managed by an umbrella of the Saccos with the supervision of the county government.
The county government enforcement officer will also work with the police traffic department to enhance smooth traffic flow in and out of the city.
