A year after a series of accidents occurred on the expressway caused by varying blunders by motorists, especially PSV drivers, they have finally been granted permission to access the road.

Transport Cabinet Secretary, Kipchumba Murkomen announced on Wednesday that they would review the PSV’s ban imposed on all vehicles carrying more than 7 passengers in July 2022.

The ban was enacted by former Transport and Infrastructure CS James Macharia.

Memorably, in June 2022, an Embassava Sacco bus rolled at the Mlolongo toll station, forcing the government to take stringent measures. The bus slammed into people and vehicles that were waiting in line to clear the road.

“They were denied an opportunity because of the accident but now we are reviewing that ban. The request is at my desk and we are looking at it,” Murkomen stated.

As announced by a press statement on Thursday, July 13th, Murkomen allowed matatus to use the tolled highway. This is a positive move aimed at enhancing mobility in the city and its neighbouring metropolises, and effectively reducing city traffic.

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“This decision is in line with the government’s focus on making Kenya a global leader in the provision of transport and logistics, a key driver of sustainable economic development,” the CS’s statement read in part.

This move comes a day after nationwide anti-government protests led to the damage of a significant amount of infrastructure, most notably the Mlolongo vandalization of the Nairobi Expressway.

Vehicles and tires were torched and the mob set up barrier stones on the route.

Protesters, led by opposition leader Raila Odinga, sought to express their grievances to the government regarding the soaring cost of living and unemployment woes.

Law enforcement officers arrived at the scene to disperse the mobs. At least seven people were killed and dozens injured, including police officers who were not spared from the wrath of stone-throwing individuals.