Editor's Review

Matatus have been banned from using the Nairobi Expressway.

The government has temporarily banned commercial passenger vehicles from using the Nairobi Expressway.

In a statement on Wednesday by Transport CS James Macharia, the move was necessitated due to the increased number of accidents on the road.

“The Ministry of Transport has therefore taken the decision to temporarily restrict commercial passenger vehicles with a capacity of more than seven passengers from using the Nairobi Expressway as we investigate the cause of these accidents and develop appropriate safety measures,” Macharia stated.

The CS further said that motorists using the road will be required to maintain a maximum speed limit of 110km/h and adhere to the speed limits marked along the sections of the road.

Macharia added that speed cameras have been installed along the road and any motorist who violates the regulation will be fined.

{A past accident at the Nairobi Expressway Mlolongo Toll station.}

Traffic police officers will also be stationed at various sections of the road to ensure all traffic rules are followed.

"The provisions of the Traffic Act will apply to those who do not observe stipulated speed limits. Any person who contravenes or fails to comply with any of the provisions of Section 42 of the Traffic Act shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine of up to one hundred thousand shillings," Macharia stated.

The CS maintained that new regulations will take effect immediately.

The move comes after three accidents have been reported in a span of less than two weeks across various sections of the road.

The expressway was opened to the public for use on a trial basis on May 14 following an order from President Uhuru Kenyatta.

The trial basis was meant to aid the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) to monitor road usage and make appropriate changes to improve safety.