Transport was yesterday paralysed in Nanyuki after the municipal council closed down the main bus park.

The council askaris, accompanied by police, arrived at the bus terminus at 5am and shut it down. The closure was caused by the matatu operators failure to pay parking fee to the council.

Speaking to the press, Nanyuki matatu operators chairperson Mwaniki Gichere said they refused to remit the fee because the council had failed to offer services. "This bus stage does not have a public toilet and sheds for travellers. We cannot pay the fee," Gichere said. During the standoff, 14 vehicles were impounded and towed to the Nanyuki Police Station. There were however confilicting information as to the exact resason for the closure of the bus park. Sources said that the differences arose after a public commuter company was allocated a parking bay in the bus park.

Sources said 2NK company was allocate the space contrary to the wishes of their competitors. Officials of different PSV saccos held a closed door meeting with the council administrators at the mayor's parlour to discuss the way forward. Gichere said they agreed to address to solve the grievances. The council officials refused to address the media on the outcome of the meeting.