Nyeri: The stalemate between transport operators and the Nyeri county government over a directive to relocate all transport operations to a new terminus 1.5 kilometers from the town entered its second day on Tuesday. Matatu operators woke up to barricaded termini after the county government on Monday night blocked entrances to the three termini located within the Nyeri Central Business District with blocks of rocks in a bid to stop the operators from accessing them.
According to Kenya News Agency, this move did not deter the operators, as drivers and traders quickly cleared the way and proceeded to conduct normal business operations. Unlike Monday, when travelers had no choice but to postpone their journey following the boycott by matatu operators, vehicles were seen picking up and dropping off passengers, suggesting a slow resumption of normal transport operations.
The drivers and traders have maintained that despite efforts by the county to frustrate them, they will not relocate to the ultra-modern Field Marshal Muthoni Kirima terminus. They accuse the county government of economic sabotage by attempting to drive the Public Service Operators and traders out of business. Catherine Wangechi, a fruit vendor operating in the Nyeri-Nyahuru terminus, expressed concern that the relocation would destabilize transport and harm local businesses.
Simon Kimaru, a driver for Nyesuma Sacco, suggested that the county government should ensure business stalls in Muthoni Kirima terminus are occupied to create human traffic, which would, in turn, support the transport industry. The initial plan was to move transport operations to the new terminus in November 2024, following a directive issued by the County Executive in charge of Transport and Infrastructure, Eng Abdi Hanif Hussein.
Seven long-distance matatu operators had sought a court order to block the relocation, arguing inadequate public participation. However, Justice Kizito Magare dismissed the suit, stating it lacked merit and that the operators had failed to demonstrate how public participation sessions did not meet constitutional standards. The court directed the county government to relocate all transport operations from the Nyeri CBD by August 1.
Following the court’s decision, County Governor Dr. Mutahi Kahiga extended an olive branch to the transport operators, inviting them for a meeting to discuss a transition strategy. Despite these discussions, the operators proposed that the three termini in the CBD remain operational alongside the new terminus, deepening the tiff between the parties.
Reuben Ndonga, Vice Chairman of 2NK Sacco, emphasized that closing the three old termini would adversely affect businesses and reduce county revenue. He suggested that the Field Marshal Muthoni Kirima Terminus should act as a fourth terminus to attract new investors.
In an interview, County Executive Robert Thuo noted that the impasse would disrupt livelihoods and revenue collection. He appealed to traders and operators to comply with the court directive, expressing concern that the Sh600 million investment might become underutilized. Thuo urged all parties to work together to address any arising issues, emphasizing the importance of obeying the court order for the benefit of Nyeri residents.