The Kenya Trade Network Agency Board chairman Suleiman Shahbal has opposed plans that no vehicle will be allowed in the Nairobi Central Business District on Wednesdays and Saturdays, as from this weekend (February 1).
Public Works Principal Secretary (PS) Paul Maringa said that the two days had been designated as Nairobi car-free days to allow the national government implement the Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) system.
The PS indicated only individuals with bicycles, police vehicles and emergency cars will be allowed into the city centre on the two days, giving hawkers an opportunity to take over the streets to sell their wares on parking lots in the city centre.
However, according to Shahbal who is a former Mombasa gubernatorial aspirant, the move will worsen things for both Nairobi residents and passengers entering and leaving the capital city.
While commenting on the matter, Shahbal termed the move as "complete nonsense from Transport Ministry" adding that it is "not beneficial to anyone" and will not serve any good.
"This is complete nonsense from Transport Ministry! Whatever they smoke therein must be illegalised. It's not beneficial to anyone! Doesn't serve any good!" he said on Tuesday in an update.
Stakeholders in the transport sector, including commuters have expressed concern that the move will create a major transport crisis in Nairobi.
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