In a significant move to address the city’s worsening traffic congestion and illegal parking problems, Nairobi City County has officially launched the Mobility Enforcement Unit (MEU).
The new initiative, approved by the County Cabinet under Governor Sakaja Johnson’s leadership on Wednesday December 4,2024, is set to reshape the way the city manages its transport systems and enhance the overall efficiency of road use in Nairobi.
The establishment of the MEU is in line with the objectives of the Nairobi City County Transport Act, 2020, and aims to streamline the city’s transportation framework.
Governor Sakaja emphasized that the initiative would bring much-needed order and discipline to Nairobi’s busy streets, while improving the overall experience for residents and commuters alike.
This bold step is part of ongoing efforts by the Mobility and Works Sector to create an organized and efficient transport network in Nairobi, which has long struggled with issues such as traffic jams, illegal parking, and non-compliance with road safety regulations.
The MEU will oversee several critical aspects of Nairobi’s transport system.
It will centralize the regulation of public road transport, which includes monitoring matatus and other public service vehicles (PSVs), as well as overseeing the activities of boda bodas and tuk-tuks.
In addition, the unit will manage traffic flow, address congestion hotspots, and improve parking regulations throughout the city.
The goal is to ensure that Nairobi’s roads are not only safer but also more efficient, making transportation easier and more accessible for all users.
A key feature of the Mobility Enforcement Unit is its specialized structure.The unit is divided into four main sub-units, each with specific responsibilities.
The Public Transport Unit will oversee compliance among matatus and PSVs, ensuring that they operate within the law.
The Traffic Marshal Unit will focus on controlling traffic, especially in congestion-prone areas, while the Motorcycle Transport Unit will ensure that boda bodas and tuk-tuks comply with safety standards and operational regulations.
The County Parking Unit, tasked with tackling illegal parking, will work to streamline parking services across Nairobi.
In a move aimed at maximizing efficiency without placing additional strain on taxpayers, the MEU will be staffed by 360 enforcement officers, utilizing existing county resources.
This approach allows the county to maintain cost-effectiveness while ensuring that the unit is adequately equipped to handle the scope of its responsibilities.
By doing so, the MEU is expected to boost the city’s operational efficiency while also supporting Nairobi’s broader goals of economic growth, environmental sustainability, and improved urban livability.
The success of this initiative relies heavily on partnerships with key organizations.
Nairobi City County has already expressed its gratitude to strategic partners such as the Kenya Police, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), the Ministry of Interior, and various public transport stakeholders.
These collaborations will play a crucial role in ensuring that the Mobility Enforcement Unit can effectively carry out its mandate and achieve its goals.
Governor Sakaja concluded by highlighting that the MEU is more than just a law enforcement body it represents a broader vision to transform Nairobi into a city of order, dignity, and opportunity.
He stressed that this initiative is part of the county’s ongoing efforts to improve the overall quality of life for residents, with an emphasis on making Nairobi’s transport system safer, more efficient, and more sustainable for future generations.
The introduction of the Mobility Enforcement Unit marks a significant step forward in the city’s journey to becoming a more organized and livable urban environment.
