Nairobi City County Governor Johnson Sakaja has dismissed reports that the county is planning to ban private vehicles in the Central Business District (CBD) but considers hiking parking fees and introducing an hourly parking model.

Sakaja was speaking during an interview with a local television station where he noted Public Transport Vehicles (PSV)s should have priority as they ferry more people to the CBD as opposed to private vehicles

"A vehicle carrying more people should be given priority but I cannot ban them from CBD. They will just pay more. We are planning on doing hourly parking," Sakaja said.

“In other cities, there is something called congestion tax and pollution tax. But before that, let me bring an alternative.”

The Nairobi Governor also disclosed the county introduce a model in which private car owners will park their cars at parking silos close to the CBD and board the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRT) to the heart of the city.

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BRT Station along Thika Superhighway. PHOTO/COURTESY

“Those from Ngong road can leave their vehicles around the city mortuary or Kenyatta market at the parking silos and then get into BRT to head to town,” Sakaja said.

Sakaja also announced the BRT will soon rollout in a few weeks' time, as several investors have already shown an interest in the project.

He also disclosed he has already spoken to President William Ruto about a cabinet memo that will be issued next week after being delayed.

The governor also said he has engaged with Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to ensure the infrastructure for BRT is laid as that is the way forward.

Johnson Sakaja and Kipchumba Murkomen. PHOTO/TWITTER

"The European Investment Bank has millions ready. There was a cabinet memo that had been delayed, but I have been able to talk to President William Ruto and it will be issued next week,” the governor said.

“I have also been engaging with Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to ensure that all road projects are undertaken. BRT will happen because that is the way forward.”

The Nairobi City County has been trying to find ways to decongest the CBD for years by introducing measures such as banning matatus with the CBD and hiking parking fees.

However, the move has met resistance from matatu operators, owners, private car owners and commuters.