Nairobi Central MCA, Mwaniki Plan to Remove Matatu Stages.

Nairobi Central MCA Hon. John Mwaniki has sparked heated debate after announcing plans to transform the Central Business District (CBD) into a “drop zone,” vowing to remove all matatu (public transport) stages from the area. The bold proposal is part of a larger effort to tackle congestion and promote public safety in the city.

“The CBD should be a modern, clean, and orderly space, not a place for chaos and disorder. It’s time to transform the city, and that starts by clearing all matatu stages,” Hon. Mwaniki declared during a press briefing on Wednesday. He explained that the move is aimed at improving Nairobi’s image and elevating it to global standards.

However, the plan has faced strong opposition from key stakeholders. Matatu operators and commuters, who rely heavily on the existing system, have criticized the proposal, citing potential disruptions to daily life. “Removing matatu stages will only cause more inconvenience for us,” said James Kariuki, a matatu driver. “We serve thousands of people daily. This decision will hurt livelihoods and make transportation harder for everyone.”

Commuters, too, have voiced their frustrations. Sarah Njoki, who travels daily from Eastlands, expressed concerns over the lack of alternatives. “This decision is inconsiderate to people like us who depend on matatus to commute safely and affordably. What’s the plan for us after the stages are removed?” she asked.

Local business owners fear the policy could negatively impact commerce. “Most of our customers are people coming in through matatus. If they can’t access the CBD conveniently, we’ll lose business,” said John Mwangi, a shop owner on Tom Mboya Street.

Despite the uproar, Hon. Mwaniki is standing firm. “Change is never easy, but it is necessary. We cannot allow the city to remain stuck in chaos. We must reimagine Nairobi as an organized, pedestrian-friendly space,” he stated. He argued that matatu stages contribute significantly to congestion and safety concerns, a problem he believes the city can no longer ignore.

Urban planners have weighed in on the proposal, suggesting that its success hinges on the availability of viable alternatives. “The idea of a drop zone could work if well-implemented. Shuttle services and additional transport hubs outside the CBD are necessary to ensure a smooth transition,” explained Dr. Alice Mwangi, a city planning expert. “Without such measures, this move risks creating new challenges.”

As the debate rages on, Nairobi residents are eager to see how the plan will unfold and whether it will address the city’s long-standing transportation woes or add to them. For now, the city remains divided over Hon. Mwaniki’s vision for a cleaner, more organized CBD.