Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has issued a stern warning to motorists who habitually park along pedestrian walkways within the city’s Central Business District (CBD), declaring a zero-tolerance policy towards such unlawful behavior.
The announcement, made on June 1, 2025, comes amid growing concerns over the increasing number of vehicles obstructing footpaths, forcing pedestrians, especially the elderly, children, and individuals with disabilities, to risk walking on busy roads. Governor Sakaja emphasized that the county government is committed to restoring order and ensuring pedestrian safety in Nairobi’s bustling urban center.
“This city is not a parking lot,” Governor Sakaja stated during a morning inspection tour of the CBD. “Pedestrian walkways are meant for people, not vehicles. We cannot claim to be building a livable and inclusive city if we continue to turn a blind eye to such indiscipline.”
According to the Nairobi County Traffic Department, enforcement officers will now be deployed more frequently across hot spots in the CBD to issue fines, tow away illegally parked vehicles, and penalize repeat offenders. The Governor also noted that digital monitoring through surveillance cameras would be intensified to ensure compliance.
Sakaja’s move has been met with widespread support from pedestrian rights advocates and urban planning experts, who argue that reclaiming public spaces is vital to improving the city’s walkability and quality of life.
Residents are encouraged to report cases of illegal parking via the county’s hotline and mobile app, as part of a broader citizen-participation strategy aimed at enhancing urban mobility.
As Nairobi continues its transformation into a modern, pedestrian-friendly metropolis, Governor Sakaja’s message is clear, the city’s walkways are for people, not parked cars.
