Thirteen matatu Saccos have been granted temporary relief to continue operating in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD). Lawyers Danstan Omari and Stanely Kinyanjui are representing Nairobi matatu saccos in a case against EPRA and the county government. This is after the High Court extended their operations until January 26, 2026. The move followed ongoing negotiations with the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) and Nairobi county over plans to restrict pick-up and drop-off points at petrol stations. Justice Chacha Mwita allowed the saccos to maintain their current operations while discussions continue. He noted that the transport firms had raised concerns over sudden directives that could disrupt commuter flow, particularly during the festive season. Earlier, the judge had directed the 13 saccos to enter negotiations with EPRA and Nairobi county after they filed an application challenging the sudden restrictions on their operations.
Why did matatu operators sue EPRA, Nairobi county? Through their lawyers, Danstan Omari and Stanley Kinyajui, the matatu operators sought urgent protection against the directives issued by EPRA and Nairobi county, which barred them from picking and dropping passengers at petrol stations within the CBD. The firms argued that the directives were sudden, disruptive, and procedurally flawed, and that enforcing them without consensus would inconvenience thousands of commuters, especially ahead of the Christmas period. “They told the court that the directive issued by the energy regulator and Nairobi county was sudden, disruptive and procedurally faulty, adding that thousands of commuters would be inconvenienced especially ahead of the Christmas festivities,” the lawyers explained.
They also noted that the ban would paralyse transport flow in and out of the city centre, as thousands of daily commuters rely on their routes, and insisted that any changes to boarding or alighting points must follow proper consultation and reasonable notice. Earlier discussions between the parties had led to an interim understanding allowing the saccos to continue operating from their current petrol station points, provided that entry and exit lanes remained unobstructed at all times. Justice Mwita emphasised that talks were ongoing and directed the parties to continue negotiations while maintaining the status quo. “The judge also directed that the matter be mentioned again on January 26, 2026 before Justice Mugambi for the next update,” the lawyers added. The transport companies maintained that enforcing the directive without agreement would destabilise Nairobi’s public transport network and cause unnecessary inconvenience to commuters. Matatus parked in Nairobi. The operators were allowed to temporarily continue operating in the CBD. Photo: Matatu Culture. Source: Getty Images What lawyers Omari, Kinyanjui said regarding the case Addressing the media, their lawyers reassured passengers that festive season travel would continue uninterrupted.
“Today we received a break, whereby Justice Mwita ordered that the status quo remain as it is. What that means is that for passengers going to Machakos, Kangema, Nakuru, Molo, Taita, Mombasa, and all those routes operated by the 13 Saccos, you have been given the authority to continue boarding the circle matatus from the respective petrol stations where you normally board. And you will also be dropped at the same stations,” the lawyers stated. They further urged passengers to observe hygiene standards within the petrol stations, noting that both EPRA and oil marketers will enforce safety regulations. Passengers were advised to avoid standing near fuel pumps and to refrain from smoking in those areas.
By Harry Ivan Mboto
