Court ruling on Thika Makongeni bus park sparks uproar

The Makongeni Bus Park in Thika, Kiambu County. /KNA

A recent court ruling awarding ownership of the Makongeni Bus Park land to the Postal Corporation of Kenya has sparked outrage among matatu operators and traders, who say the decision will destroy their livelihoods and cripple transport in the area.

The operators and traders, who have relied on the four-acre bus park for the past seven years, said the facility is their main source of income and supports more than 2,000 people directly and indirectly.

They are now appealing to both PCK and the Kiambu County Government to find an amicable solution that will allow them to continue operating or be relocated to an alternative site.

The Environment and Land Court in Thika ruled in favour of the Postal Corporation after a seven-year legal battle with the county government over ownership of the land.

The court ordered the county to immediately cease all operations at the site, hand over control to PCK, and remit all revenues collected from matatu operators since June 16, 2018.

The land, which had remained idle before, was allocated by then Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu for the establishment of a bus park aimed at easing transport and improving accessibility within Makongeni.

The ruling now bars the county from collecting parking or stage fees at the busy terminus, which was later upgraded by Governor Kimani Wamatangi.

The county government recently completed a major renovation that transformed the bus park into a modern facility officially opened earlier this year.

Speaking at the terminus, matatu operators said the ruling came as a major setback to thousands of families who depend on the park for their daily income.

“We have been here for seven years, paying our dues to the county government and operating peacefully. If we are evicted, many of us will lose our jobs,” said Jack Muchiri, one of the operators.

Traders who sell food, vehicle parts, and accessories around the park said the closure would cripple their small businesses and reverse the area’s development gains.

“We are not against Posta reclaiming its land, but there should be a way to accommodate everyone. The government should step in and help us find a middle ground,” said Paul Njomo.