Nairobi County authorities have impounded more than 512 vehicles in a sweeping enforcement operation targeting motorists evading parking fees, exposing an estimated Sh300,000 daily loss in county revenue.
The crackdown, led by County Receiver of Revenue Tiras Njoroge, focused on drivers who bypass official payment systems and instead rely on informal parking attendants commonly referred to as “parking boys.”
Officials say the informal system has long undermined revenue collection, with motorists allegedly paying attendants directly instead of using county-approved digital platforms.
Njoroge said the enforcement exercise is aimed at sealing loopholes that have denied the county significant income.
“We have a very easy way of paying for our services. You don’t need to engage our officers or parking boys. Just dial *647# and pay Sh300, and no one will clamp your vehicle,” he said.
According to the county, vehicle owners whose cars were impounded will now be required to pay about Sh7,500 in penalties and release fees—significantly higher than the standard daily parking charge of Sh300.
Njoroge warned that the practice of tipping informal attendants instead of paying the county directly is illegal and unsustainable.
“Some vehicle owners have resorted to engaging parking boys or even some of our officers. They refuse to pay officially, tip the boys, and have their vehicles watched.’ This is not only illegal but has led to revenue leakage of close to Sh300,000 a day. We shall not allow this to continue,” he said.
The enforcement drive is part of a broader effort by City Hall to tighten revenue collection systems and reduce reliance on informal intermediaries.
Officials say the county has been losing substantial funds due to non-compliance and parallel payment arrangements.
Njoroge confirmed that the crackdown will continue, warning motorists against attempts to evade payment.
“We will continue with the crackdown, and those whose cars are impounded will have to pay more close to Sh7,500 just for avoiding the Sh300 fee,” he stated.
The county government has also pointed to recent reforms aimed at improving compliance and easing payment procedures, including the introduction of digital payment systems and policy adjustments under the administration of Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja.
“Through the guidance of the Governor, we now have free parking on weekends. It is just five days that we require motorists to pay as required, so we urge all to comply rather than find themselves in trouble,” Njoroge added.
Officials say the introduction of weekend-free parking is intended to balance revenue collection with public convenience while encouraging voluntary compliance during weekdays.
The crackdown has highlighted long-standing challenges in Nairobi’s urban revenue systems, particularly the persistence of informal networks that operate alongside official structures.
City Hall officials say the ongoing enforcement is part of wider reforms to modernize revenue collection, plug leakages and ensure accountability in the management of public funds.
Authorities have urged motorists to adopt official payment channels to avoid penalties and to support efforts to streamline parking management across the city.
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