Traffic chaos in Eastleigh as matatus block key road in new Sacco dispute
By Abdirahman Khalif |
Eastleigh is currently attracting large numbers of customers who are shopping in preparation for upcoming festivities next month.
Eastleigh experienced significant traffic disruptions on Monday morning as matatus blocked a section of Yusuf Haji Avenue. This was as a result of matatus connecting Eastleigh to other areas of Nairobi stopped on the busy commercial road, causing a major traffic jam.
Matatu operators expressed frustration over the arrival of a new Sacco in Eastleigh, stating that insufficient stages were available for matatus.
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Mohamed Ismail, the deputy chairman of mall managers in Eastleigh, explained that the new Sacco was operating different routes that included Eastleigh, Juja, and Thika. The Sacco established a stage under Tasnim Mall without prior agreement, which upset the mall managers and existing Saccos operating on separate routes.
The mall managers reported that matatus parked near the malls made it difficult for customers to enter, and they also blocked shops in front of the malls, preventing access to the stores.
Mohamed Ismail, Deputy Chairman of mall managers in Eastleigh. (Abdirahman Khalif)
Mohamed noted that the high number of matatus operating from Eastleigh frequently leads to heavy traffic, as many line up along the malls, forcing other road users to navigate the remaining open sections of the road, which are insufficient to handle the traffic volume.
Eastleigh is currently attracting large numbers of customers who are shopping in preparation for upcoming festivities next month.
The new Sacco was also accused of bringing groups of individuals who wore masks to conceal their identities, which was seen as an attempt to forcibly establish their stage under Tasnim Mall.
"As mall managers, our businesses and malls are being blocked by hawkers and matatus. We want order here in Eastleigh, just as it is in the Nairobi CBD."
He added that Yusuf Haji Avenue is a busy business hub and should be used for picking up and dropping off passengers, not for matatus to park all day.
Peter Kariuki, a director of one of the Saccos operating from Eastleigh, said that there had been a meeting with the Eastleigh business community where they agreed that no additional Saccos would be given parking space along Yusuf Haji Avenue.
"We agreed that each sacco would park only one matatu here at any given time, but the new Sacco breached the agreement, and certain individuals are pushing for its establishment," Kariuki said.
Heavy traffic jam on a section of Yusuf Haji Avenue. (Abdirahman Khalif)
Joel Mboro, another Sacco operator, expressed anger over the new Sacco's arrival. He said the presence of the new sacco forced them to close major entrances to Eastleigh, affecting their operations.
Officials from the county traffic department and police officers from Eastleigh North police station arrived at the scene, instructing the matatus to stop blocking the road and clear the traffic.
A meeting is currently ongoing with members of the Saccos, police, and Eastleigh Business District Association (EBDA) officials to find a resolution to the traffic issues.
The meeting aims to establish guidelines to manage matatu stages and prevent future traffic jams, ensuring that Eastleigh remains accessible for customers and businesses.
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