The County Government of Nairobi has announced free parking for all private vehicles on Saturdays.

In a statement issued by Governor Johnson Sakaja on Saturday, the directive took effect immediately and will last until June 2024, before the next financial year begins.

In effecting the directive, Nairobi County Chief Executive Committee Member for Finance and Economic Planning, Charles Kerich also gazetted the notice.

"In exercise of the powers conferred by section 5 (2) (a) of the Nairobi City County Tax Waivers Administration Act, 2013, the County Executive Committee Member for Finance and Economic Planning in concurrence with the Governor, Nairobi City County, waives parking fees for all private motorist in Nairobi on Saturdays until June 30, 2024," read the notice in part.

Previously, private motorists only enjoyed free parking within the Central Business District (CBD) on Saturdays and Sundays.

On the other hand, motorists parking near mosques also enjoyed free parking on Fridays. The free parking schedule which took effect every Friday from 12 noon to 2 pm was effected on April 2023.

At the time, Sakaja noted that the move was aimed at allowing the Muslim community to attend prayers freely.

"We will allow our brothers and sisters attending prayer services to do so freely. No clamping of vehicles at that time," he stated.

Meanwhile, city residents were advised to stay alert amid the emergence of unscrupulous individuals targeting Nairobians who pay for services including parking fees.

According to the county government, all payments are cashless and made through the NairobiPay system.

"I would like to inform Nairobians that we do not accept any cash payment for our services.

"In fact, if any of my revenue team members ask for payment in cash or purports to be able to assist outside of the system that we have put in place for Revenue collection please report them to 020 7247047 or send an email to governor@nairobi.go.ke and we will take immediate action," the governor stated.