Nairobi County impounds over 500 cars in crackdown on parking fee evasion

The operation, led by County Receiver of Revenue Tiras Njoroge, targeted drivers who bypass official county payment systems and instead pay informal parking attendants, commonly known as “parking boys.”

Owners of impounded vehicles will now be required to pay about KSh7,500 in penalties and release fees, significantly higher than the standard daily parking fee of KSh300.

Njoroge said the enforcement drive is intended to seal loopholes that have undermined the county’s revenue collection system.

“We have a very easy way of paying for our services. You don’t need to engage our officers or parking boys. Just dial *647# and pay Sh300, and no one will clamp your vehicle,” he said.

He warned that the widespread practice of tipping informal attendants instead of paying the county directly is illegal and contributes significantly to revenue losses.

“Some vehicle owners have resorted to engaging parking boys or even some of our officers. They refuse to pay officially, tip the boys, and have their vehicles ‘watched.’ This is not only illegal but has led to revenue leakage of close to KSh300,000 a day. We shall not allow this to continue,” Njoroge said.

He added that the county will sustain the enforcement campaign, warning motorists against attempting to evade parking payments.

“We will continue with the crackdown, and those whose cars are impounded will have to pay more—close to KSh7,500—just for avoiding the Sh300 fee,” he said.

The county also cited recent reforms aimed at improving compliance, including the introduction of free weekend parking under Governor Johnson Sakaja’s administration.

“Through the guidance of the Governor, we now have free parking on weekends. It is just five days that we require motorists to pay as required, so we urge all to comply rather than find themselves in trouble,” Njoroge said.