Court allows more negotiations on EPRA directive banning matatu pick-ups at petrol stations

The case HCCHRPET E748/2025, Kinatwa Sacco Society & Kam Sacco & 11 Others vs Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority & County Government of Nairobi & 7 Others came up for mention before Justice Chacha on Monday to report on the progress of ongoing negotiations between the parties.

The petitioners, represented in court by lawyer Danstan Omari, include major transport operators such as ENA Coach, Easy Coach, Mololine, North Rift, GTS Supreme Sacco, Nenus Shuttle, Transline Classic, Prestige Limited, Kangema Sacco, and Super Premium T&T. They argue that the enforcement of the ban was abrupt, procedurally unfair, and would severely cripple their operations, disrupting essential public transport services relied upon by thousands of commuters.

During earlier meetings, the parties agreed that the petitioners would continue operating from their current locations, while ensuring that the entry and exit points of petrol stations remain clear at all times.

In his directions, Justice Mwita granted the parties more time to continue engaging in discussions. He further ordered that the status quo be maintained, allowing the petitioners to continue operating from the petrol stations as previously agreed. The court also directed that this order remain in force during the subsistence of their operations until further directions are issued.

The matter will be mentioned again on 26th January 2026 before Justice Lawrence Mugambi for additional directions.

The petitioners maintain that the contested directive threatens to destabilize public transport across Nairobi, arguing that any changes to operational routes or pick-up points should involve full consultation and reasonable notice.