Nairobi, the bustling capital city of Kenya, is notorious for its heavy traffic and limited parking spaces.
To make matters worse, finding parking and paying for it can be a daunting task for both residents and visitors.
Fortunately, mobile payment solutions have made it easier to pay for parking in Nairobi, and one of the most popular options is M-PESA.
M-PESA is a mobile payment platform that enables users to send and receive money, pay bills, and even buy goods and services using their mobile phones.
In this article, we will explore how to use M-PESA to pay for parking in Nairobi, step-by-step.
How to pay for parking in Nairobi via USSD
- Dial *647# on your phone.
- Reply with 1 for Parking.
- On the next page, you will be presented with eight more options; Daily Parking, Seasonal Parking, Off-street Parking, Penalties, Parking Status, Offloading Zone, Back and Main Menu.
- If you want to pay for parking for one day, reply with 1.
- Enter number Plate. Do not leave any spaces.
- Reply with the zone you are in
- Select the category of vehicle
- If you have a private car, for example, you will be asked to pay Ksh. 200.
- Select 1 to proceed with payment.
- Enter your MPesa Pin for automatic payment.
- Upon completion, a message will be sent to your phone confirming your payment details.
How to Pay for Parking Online
If you are not able to pay for parking in Nairobi using the USSD method above, you can also pay online. If your mobile phone can access internet services, here are the steps you should follow:
- Allow data usage on your mobile phone or connect to a wifi connection if available.
- Go to your browser and search for the Nairobi County portal and click on self-service.
- You can create an account or continue with the payments by clicking continue.
- When creating an account, you will provide the following details – Full name, Mobile Number, Email address, and generate a password for future logins.
- Click on parking and choose the service you need. That is daily, seasonal, topping up daily, penalty, off-street parking or printing a receipt.
- Provide the location, type of vehicle, registration number for the car and your mobile number.
- A payment fee will appear for confirmation of payment.
- Confirm and continue with the payments.
- A pop-up message will appear on your phone, prompting you to input your M-PESA PIN.
Nairobi City Council Parking Rates
Nairobi county seasonal fees do not change whether the payments are monthly, weekly or annually.
A saloon car will cost Ksh 4,200 for daily payment. The one-off tickets go for 5,000. The price has been Ksh. 300 daily, which results in a monthly fee of Ksh, 6,300 much higher than the current season tickets.
The rates for public service vehicles are between Ksh 8000 and Ksh 10000 monthly. Lorries can pay as high as Ksh 20,000 monthly.
City Hall has about 12,000 parking slots.
You will not pay any fees on Saturdays from 2 PM, Sunday and during public holidays.
Nairobi County Paybill number
Motorists can pay parking fee for their vehicles using the Nairobi County M-PESA Paybill Number 367776.
However one nust go through the county epayment platform to make the payment.
Nairobi parking FAQs
What are the parking hours in Nairobi County?
Parking hours in Nairobi County are from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily, including weekends and public holidays.
How much does it cost to park in Nairobi County?
Parking fees in Nairobi County vary depending on the location and the duration of parking. The current rates are KES 200 per hour for on-street parking and KES 400 per hour for off-street parking.
Can I pay for parking using mobile money services?
Yes, you can pay for parking using mobile money services such as M-Pesa, Airtel Money, or T-Kash. Simply follow the instructions displayed on the parking meter or use the mobile app provided by the parking service provider.
What happens if I exceed the parking time limit?
If you exceed the parking time limit, you will be required to pay an additional fee for the extra time spent parking. The extra fee is calculated based on the same hourly rate as the initial parking fee.
Are there designated parking spots for people with disabilities?
Yes, there are designated parking spots for people with disabilities in Nairobi County. These spots are marked with the international wheelchair symbol and are located near the entrances of buildings.
Can I park my vehicle overnight in Nairobi County?
No, overnight parking is not allowed in Nairobi County. The parking hours are from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily, including weekends and public holidays.
What should I do if I receive a parking ticket?
If you receive a parking ticket, you should pay the fine within the stipulated time frame to avoid further penalties. Failure to pay the fine within the specified time may result in additional charges, and in some cases, your vehicle may be clamped or towed away.
