In the bustling Nakuru city centre, there is a persistent woe that plagues both residents and visitors alike. This is the perpetual struggle for a parking space.

As the city continues to flourish with commerce, the demand for parking surges, creating a daily headache.

Mr Abimelech Kipchumba, one of the motorists says “Each morning, the CBD transforms into a chaotic ballet of vehicles circling blocks in search of that elusive parking spot.”

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Mr Kipchumba states the ever expanding cityscape seems unable to keep pace with the growing number of cars vying for a spot to rest.

“Nakuru’s reputation for congestion is not limited to its roads alone; it has extended to the parking lots, where the battle for a vacant space becomes a rite of passage every morning to motorists,” he notes.

On the other hand, Mary Muchai, a motorist as well says “Every day, the frustration of finding parking tightens its grip, and we are left with a maze of cars vying for limited spaces.”

Ms Mutai says “I opted to be parking in the central police station. I am now at the verge of just booking a taxi to drop me to work.”

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The City Manager Gitau Thabanja points out that the county government has introduced parking roads, e.g Kipchoge Keino road.

City manager Gitau Thabanja during an interview on September 7, 2023.

Photo credit: BRET SANYA/MTAA WANGU

Mr Thabanja notes that the city per say is not meant for parking, as sustainable cities are now moving from parking and encouraging people to walk, adding that there are plans to improve the walk ways.

Mr Thabanja highlights, “One of our plans is to designate bike parking bays to encourage people living near the city to cycle, reducing the parking need.”

Additionally he notes that in the meantime, the plan of gazetting more parking is ongoing, but encourages people to use public transport instead of private vehicles.

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Mr Thabanja concludes “Currently we are looking for partners who will come on board so that we can have a model sustainable Mobility Plan that will address more issues apart from parking."
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Motorists frustrated as scramble for parking space in Nakuru city persists

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