Motorists in Nairobi might enjoy parking for free over the weekend in the next financial year.
This is if a proposal by Nairobi Governor Sakaja to abolish weekend parking fees in the city is passed by the County Assembly.
According to Sakaja, this will encourage business establishments to open during the weekend.
"When the Finance Bill 2023 is approved by the County Assembly. I propose not to charge weekend parking fees in Nairobi," he said.
"This will also provide an opportunity for Nairobi residents to support businesses and accord them an opportunity to transact on the weekends. I know times are hard. But lazima Nairobi iWork, this city is ours," Sakaja added.
The Governor explained that the county also want to attract more visitors to the CBD during weekends.
He also pledged to ensure there will be security provisions round the clock.
"Other leading cities in the World are very vibrant during the weekends. Nairobi should adopt the same vibrancy. As this will ensure growth," Sakaja added.
The Finance Bill 2023 will eventually be submitted to the Nairobi County Assembly for approval of the Finance Act.
The provisions of the Act will help the county raise its own source of revenue to meet county budgetary expenditure.
Parking is one of the top own source revenue in Nairobi.
Looking at the third quarter performance for FY 2022-23 from January to March, Sh619.9 million was collected in parking.
To boost the collection, city hall is planning to introduce hourly parking charges in CBD.
If the plan is adopted, motorists in the CBD will pay Sh100 for the first hour of parking.
For motorists who intend to stay longer, they will pay Sh50 for the subsequent hours they park in the city centre.
Currently, motorists pay Sh200 daily for on-street and lot parking of small vehicles in and outside the CBD.
