Matatu Operators Move to Court to Halt Nairobi Petrol Station Passenger Ban

Thirteen matatu companies have approached the High Court seeking urgent orders to stop the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) and the Nairobi County Government from enforcing a ban on picking up and dropping passengers at petrol stations within Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD)

In a certificate of urgency, the petitioners – including ENA Coach, Easy Coach, Mololine, North Rift, GTS Supreme Sacco, Nenus Shuttle, Transline Classic, Prestige Limited, Kangema Sacco, and Super Premium T&T – warned that the directives would cripple their operations and disrupt essential public transport services

The transport operators said they were abruptly ordered to halt passenger operations at fuel stations, describing the move as procedurally flawed and economically damaging

They argued that enforcing the ban during the peak festive season could leave thousands of commuters stranded, affecting both long-distance and shuttle services

The petitioners further noted that there is no record of incidents where their operations endangered public safety at Nairobi petrol stations, while similar services continue elsewhere in the country

Through lawyers Stanley Kinyanjui and Danstan Omari, they questioned why Nairobi commuters are being singled out

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The companies are seeking urgent intervention from the High Court to prevent irreparable harm, sudden halts in operations, and significant financial losses

Their counsel has requested that the court prioritise the matter, warning that any delay in issuing conservatory orders could render the petition ineffective