GOVERNOR MIKE SONKO’S DECISION TO BAN BODABODA OPERATION IN CBD UPHELD.

0
1588
Nairobi County Governor Mike Muvi Sonko in his office City Hall in Nairobi.

BY SAM ALFAN.

Governor Mike Sonko’s decision to kick out Boda Boda operators out of the city centre has been upheld.

The High Court dismissed the case filed by Starehe MP Charles Kanyi alias Jaguar challenging the decision to ban boda bodas from accessing CBD.

Justice Roselyn Aburili ruled that MP Jaguar did not prove how the rights of boda boda riders have been violated.

“The county has a right to enforce laws and I cannot interfere with their decision,” said judge Aburili.

The court said the county government should follow their mandate to implement and enforce the law they already have.

She told the riders to learn to respect the rulings of the court.

Governor Sonko made the decision in January 24, 2018 but according to Jaguar it was made without consulting all the relevant stakeholders.

The MP further termed the move as ill informed, unilaterally made and based on irrelevant considerations.

The legislator was keen to observe that the boda boda ban may result in more harm than good as the operators will be left frustrated and without a source of income which may force them to engage in criminal activities.

He added that the ban is curtailing the economic rights of many riders who rely on ferrying passengers to and from the CBD.

He had asked the court to quash the decision.

Director of Operations at the City Inspectorate Department, Peter Mbaya, avowed that the only motorbikes allowed into the city are those with carrier boxes and those offering courier services and have branded boxes.

The ban, which took effect on January 23 was meant to curb the increased crime in the CBD.

“Pursuant to the provisions of the Traffic Act CAP 403 of 2014 of the Laws of the Republic of Kenya, the Nairobi City County Government wishes to inform all motorcycle (boda-boda) operators ferrying passengers to and from the Central Business District (CBD) that such activities have been banned with immediate effect,” read the notice.

LEAVE A REPLY