Mombasa and Taita Taveta county govts resolve parking stalemate

The long-standing parking conflict at Mwembe Tayari has finally been resolved after the Mombasa and Taita Taveta county governments met to discuss a way forward.

Public Service Vehicle (PSV) operators will continue managing designated parking slots in Mombasa while officials from both counties collaborate to end the dispute that has plagued the sector for years.

Officials from both county governments, led by their respective CECMs in charge of transport, met with representatives from the Taita Taveta Matatu Owners Association (MOA) to address the issue.

The meeting concluded with the formation of a joint task force mandated to engage stakeholders during the contentious period and submit resolutions within seven days.

"The resolutions must be legal and fair and favour matatu operators, not brokers. As a county government, we are committed to creating a conducive environment for the MOA and will not subscribe to anything outside the memorandum of understanding between parties," said Daniel Manyola, Mombasa County Executive Committee Member in charge of transport.

The CECM of Taita Taveta, Martin Tairo, supported Manyola's sentiments, reaffirming his county government's support for the matatu industry and urging operators to embrace the Matatu Operators Association.

Officials fromMombasa and Taita Taveta county governments meet with representatives from the Taita Taveta Matatu Owners Association (MOA) to address parking issues on Monday, July 15, 2024. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)

"Through this umbrella, we will be able to effectively discharge our mandates and, in turn, promote our economy as per the desired objectives. It is, however, paramount for operators with divergent opinions to meet and iron out their pending issues," stated Tairo.

The joint task force, composed of officials from both counties and the Taita Taveta Matatu Owners Association, aims to ensure that the dispute resolution process is inclusive and transparent.

The task force will gather input from all relevant stakeholders, including matatu operators and county officials, to develop a comprehensive and sustainable solution.

Bigvai Mwailemi, the Chairman of the Taita Taveta County Matatu Operators Association, commended the meeting's outcomes and urged operators to uphold the rule of law and decency while carrying out their duties.

"Today's meeting marks a significant step towards resolving our longstanding issues. We must work together, adhere to the law, and ensure that our operations run smoothly and fairly," Mwailemi said.