The government has lifted the suspension of Public Service Vehicles (PSVs)/matatus from using Nairobi Expressway effective immediately.
In a statement on Thursday, July 14, 2023, Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport Kipchumba Murkomen noted that the new order follows a successful exercise by the MOJA Expressway Company in creating awareness to the matatu industry on the terms and conditions of using the Nairobi Expressway.
"The exercise has proved successful with PSVs taking the necessary steps to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and adhere to set rules and regulations," part of the statement reads.
This comes barely a year after the Ministry of Transport temporarily restricted commercial passenger vehicles with a capacity of more than seven passengers from accessing the highway from Mlolongo to Westlands on July 6, 2022.
The move was taken to allow Nairobi Expressway to investigate the cause of increased incidents of road carnage and develop appropriate safety measures.
Murkomen says he believes lifting the suspension will create employment and have great economic value.
"I believe that this will have a direct and positive impact on the country's economy, create more jobs, and ensure effective mobility across the city. This decision is in line with the Government's focus on making Kenya a global leader in the provision of transport and logistics a key driver of sustainable economic development.
"As Government, we will work with MOJA Expressway Company to monitor the usage of the Nairobi Expressway and ensure all motorists adhere to the provisions of the Traffic Act as a measure of ensuring their safety, that of the passengers and those who work at the Expressway."
