Transport Sector on Edge as Nairobi Charges Truckers Ksh 4,000 Parking Fee

The Kenya Transporters Association (KTA) has formally protested Nairobi County’s daily truck parking fee of Ksh 4,000, terming it excessive, punitive, and a driver of corruption within the transport sector.

In a memorandum dated April 29, 2026, the association addressed top national and county leadership, warning that the current charges threaten the survival of transport businesses.

In the letter addressed to the Governor of Nairobi, the Senator, the Speaker of the County Assembly, and the President, the association states that the fee is “extortionate and encourage corruption.”

The KTA says it represents transporters who play a critical role in sustaining Nairobi’s supply chains, businesses, and overall economy.

The association argues that the daily charge is not only economically unjustified but also counterproductive to the county’s own revenue goals.

“We wish to raise urgent concern regarding the current Nairobi truck parking fee of Ksh 4,000 per truck per day, which we consider excessive, unsustainable, and one that unintentionally promotes corruption while depriving the County of substantial legitimate revenue,” the statement reads.

KTA further highlights the financial strain placed on transporters, noting that operational costs are already high.

“A truck engaged in local shunting within Nairobi charges, on average, Ksh 25,000 per trip per day. A daily parking levy of Ksh 4,000 consumes 16% of gross revenue, before accounting for fuel, wages, maintenance, insurance, financing and other operating costs,” the association explains.

Transporters Warn of Business Collapse

The association warns that such a cost structure is untenable and could drive operators out of business.

“No transport business can sustainably survive under such a cost structure. Compliance at this level becomes punitive, and transporters are effectively made to choose between survival and corruption,” KTA states.

It further claims that the current system has fostered informal payments and revenue leakages.

“The current truck parking fees have inadvertently created fertile ground for corruption, with transporters pushed toward unofficial payments to officers on the ground—often around Ksh 1,000—money that never reaches County revenue accounts,” the letter alleges.

KTA also points to systemic inefficiencies within the sector, adding that, “there is a widespread perception within the industry that truck parking fee cartels in Nairobi are extensive and deeply entrenched, contributing to revenue leakage while burdening legitimate businesses.”

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Proposal to Reduce Fees

To address the issue, the association has proposed a drastic reduction in the daily parking fee.

“We respectfully propose a reduction of the daily truck parking fee to Ksh 800 per truck,” the statement says.

According to KTA, the lower rate would deliver multiple benefits.

“Corruption incentives would shrink. County revenue collection would increase. Transport businesses would remain viable. Nairobi would strengthen its competitiveness as a commercial hub,” the association outlines.

The memorandum also compares Nairobi’s charges to other counties, noting significantly lower rates elsewhere.

“Kiambu — Ksh 400, Mombasa — Ksh 700, Eldoret — Ksh 500, Bungoma — Ksh 300, Nakuru — Ksh 500,” it lists, adding that, “even allowing for Nairobi’s metropolitan character, Ksh 4,000 remains economically unjustifiable.”

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Call for Policy Review

KTA emphasizes that higher taxes do not necessarily translate to higher revenue.

“High taxes or fees do not always generate high revenues. Reasonable charges do,” the association states.

It concludes with a direct appeal to Nairobi County authorities.

“We therefore urge Nairobi County to review the daily truck parking fee downward to Ksh 800. This will dismantle incentives for extortion, and restore a system that supports both revenue generation and business survival,” KTA says.

The association warns that transporters are already grappling with rising operational costs, particularly fuel prices, and should not be forced into difficult choices.

“Nairobi County should not force transporters with law-abiding intentions to choose between survival and corruption,” the statement adds.

KTA has expressed readiness to engage with authorities to find a sustainable solution.

“We stand ready to engage constructively with Nairobi County to support reforms that work for both government and private enterprise,” the letter concludes.

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