Consult more on city decongestion plan-

By John Oyuke

The ambitious programme to decongest the city of Nairobi has been opposed, with demands that the process be properly planned.

The latest to oppose the programme, which involves relocating some Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) stops from the Central Business District (CBD), is the Motorist Association of Kenya. Chairman Peter Murima said although the association supports the action, it is opposed to the mode of implementation.

He particularly opposed the decision to bar upcountry vehicles from the CBD.

Mr Murima said alternative infrastructural facilities ought to be put in place first before drastic relocations are effected.

"The interests of Nairobi visitors and Nairobians ought to be a prerequisite. Their comfort, convenience and safety must be a priority," he asserted yesterday.

Free market

He said policy making must involve genuine stakeholders, otherwise lopsided rules will always appear in favour of particular groups, which will compromise the spirit of a free market.

The City Council of Nairobi last week said some PSVs would be relocated to Westlands, Kariokor, Central Park and Railway Bus termini in an effort to decongest Central Business District streets and parking.

But Matatu Owners Association (MOA) immediately rejected voiced the move, saying alternative means of transport within the CBD must be found first.

The association argued the move would affect businesses and create confusion.

"We have not agreed on the way forward and I was shocked when the mayor announced the council would ban some of the matatus from accessing the CBD," said MOA chairman Simon Kimutai. He said there is no space for the PSV operators at the places they will be relocated to.

The council plans to introduce private shuttle buses that will pick and drop passengers from the designated areas.

"The authorities ought to invite brainstorming of the various propositions to come up with the most effective and humane method to decongest the city," said Murima.

Murima warned that unilateral decisions and competition between the City Council and Metropolitan Ministry were hurting the sector.

He cautioned against hasty decisions by the Government or City Hall to correct past mistakes.

"We expect and demand rational well researched policies," said Murima.

He said upcountry vehicles got in town one at a time and are more organised and should not be banned from Central Business District.