A fresh confrontation is looming in Nairobi after Members of the County Assembly vowed to eject matatus operating from petrol stations in the city centre, despite a High Court order allowing public service vehicle (PSV) saccos to continue using the facilities.
The fallout follows Tuesday’s directive by Justice Enoch Chacha Mwita, who issued temporary orders suspending a planned relocation targeting 13 matatu saccos. The judge ordered that the operators be allowed to continue running from the petrol stations as pick-up and drop-off points pending the outcome of negotiations.
Justice Mwita further directed the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), Nairobi City County, the Attorney-General, and lawyers for the saccos to hold consultative talks and file a progress report before the matter is mentioned on January 26, 2026.
EPRA and the county government have been pushing to prohibit the use of petrol stations as termini, citing safety concerns associated with flammable fuel products. The affected saccos have countered that they have operated from the sites for decades without major incidents and warn that an abrupt ban would disrupt livelihoods and cause substantial financial losses.
However, the County Assembly’s Transport Committee has taken a hard line. Led by chairman Maithya Musango, the MCAs on Wednesday issued a seven-day ultimatum to EPRA and the county executive, demanding the removal of all PSVs from the petrol stations.
Mr Musango maintained that the assembly would not be swayed by the conservatory orders.
“Under Articles 185 and 186 of the Constitution, we engaged EPRA and agreed that these saccos should not operate from petrol stations,” he said.
He also dismissed allegations that MCAs had sought bribes from matatu operators, terming the claims a smear campaign intended to undermine the committee’s work.
“These accusations are meant to derail our resolve. EPRA, NTSA and the county executive must act within seven days,” he said.
Korogocho MCA Absalom Odhiambo warned that continued PSV operations inside fuel stations could expose Nairobians to grave risks.
“This situation endangers the lives of residents, and we will not sit back and watch,” he said.
The standoff now sets the county legislature on a collision course with the judiciary, creating uncertainty for thousands of commuters who rely on the affected saccos.
For the time being, the operators will continue running from the petrol station termini until the court issues further directions.
