Thousands of Nairobi commuters and Public Service Vehicle (PSV) operators can breathe a temporary sigh of relief after the High Court extended an order allowing matatus to continue operating from petrol stations in the Central Business District. The decision puts the brakes on a contentious ban by the Nairobi City County government and the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).

This ruling is a critical development for the city's bustling transport sector, directly impacting the daily travel plans of countless Kenyans and the livelihoods of those who operate the intricate web of city and long-distance routes. The court's intervention ensures that, for now, services from major operators at key petrol station termini will proceed without disruption, averting potential chaos for passengers.

High Court Urges Dialogue Over Disruption

Presiding over the matter on Monday, Justice Chacha Mwita directed that the status quo remain in place, effectively suspending the ban to allow for further out-of-court negotiations between the government and transport companies. The court has given all parties until January 26, 2026, to find a workable solution, at which point the case will be mentioned for further directions before Justice Lawrence Mugambi.

The case was filed by 13 transport companies, including prominent names like ENA Coach, Easy Coach, Mololine, and Transline Classic, who challenged the legality of the ban. Represented by lawyer Danstan Omari, the operators argued that the directive was implemented abruptly and without the necessary public consultation, posing a severe threat to their businesses and the city's transport ecosystem.

In their petition, the saccos noted that an immediate ban would not only cripple their operations but also cause significant economic fallout. They claimed the move would jeopardise thousands of jobs and could cost the government billions in lost revenue.

The Path Forward: A Truce for Commuters

The core of the dispute revolves around safety concerns cited by authorities versus the operational necessities claimed by the PSV operators. The government has previously argued that using petrol stations as termini poses a significant safety risk due to the presence of flammable materials. However, the transport saccos have maintained that they have operated from these locations for decades without incident and that the ban unfairly targets their businesses.

As a condition for the temporary reprieve, the PSV operators have committed to ensuring that all entry and exit routes at the fuel stations remain clear to avoid obstructing operations and to guarantee safety. This interim agreement strikes a delicate balance between public safety and the need for uninterrupted public transport.

As both sides head back to the negotiating table, the ultimate outcome remains uncertain. The court has made it clear it prefers a stakeholder-driven solution. For the thousands of Kenyans who rely on these services daily, the hope is that the dialogue will yield a permanent plan that keeps the city moving safely and efficiently.