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High Court Extends Talks in Dispute Over Matatu Pick-Ups at Petrol Stations

The dispute pitting thirteen public service vehicle companies against the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) and the Nairobi County Government has taken a new turn after the High Court allowed more time for negotiations to continue.

When the matter, HCCHRPET E748/2025 Kinatwa Sacco Society & Kam Sacco & 11 Others vs EPRA & Nairobi County & 7 Others was mentioned before Justice Chacha Mwita, the court was updated on the progress of discussions aimed at resolving the standoff over the ban on using petrol stations in the CBD as pick-up and drop-off points.

The petitioners, represented by lawyer Danstan Omari, include some of the country’s largest transport operators such as ENA Coach, Easy Coach, Mololine, North Rift, GTS Supreme Sacco, Nenus Shuttle, Transline Classic, Prestige Limited, Kangema Sacco and Super Premium T&T. They argue that the directive issued by EPRA and Nairobi County was sudden, disruptive and procedurally faulty.

They insist that the ban would paralyze transport flow in and out of the city centre, especially as thousands of daily commuters depend on their routes. They maintain that any changes to where passengers board or alight must follow proper consultation and reasonable notice.

Earlier engagements between the parties resulted in an interim understanding that the petitioners would continue operating from their current petrol station points, provided they ensured the entry and exit lanes remained unobstructed at all times.

Justice Mwita noted that talks were still ongoing and directed the parties to continue with the negotiations. He ordered that the status quo remains unchanged, meaning the transport companies will continue to operate from the same locations until the court issues further directions.

The judge also directed that the matter be mentioned again on 26 January 2026 before Justice L. Mugambi for the next update.

The transport companies believe that the contested directive, if enforced without consensus, would destabilize Nairobi’s public transport network and cause unnecessary inconvenience to commuters.

CH Reporter

CH Reporter

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