How To Pay Parking In Nairobi in 2024

Parking in Nairobi, especially in the Central Business District (CBD), has long been a source of frustration for motorists. Finding a suitable parking spot and navigating the payment process could often feel like a difficult task. However, Nairobi City County has taken a significant step towards making this process more convenient, efficient, and user-friendly.

This comprehensive article will delve into paying for parking in Nairobi, providing you with all the information you need to navigate this essential aspect of city life. Whether you're a resident or just passing through, understanding the available payment methods and Nairobi City County's parking regulations is crucial for a smooth and hassle-free experience.

We'll explore the various options for paying your parking fees, including the tried-and-true methods and the newer, more streamlined approaches. From dialing USSD codes on your mobile phone to utilize the Nairobi County portal for online payments, we've got you covered.

Additionally, we'll touch upon the recent change in service providers, transitioning from Jambo Pay to the Internal Revenue Management System (IRMS), which has introduced even more convenience into the payment process.

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Paying for Parking in Nairobi

Parking in Nairobi, like in many major cities, can be challenging, especially in the Central Business District (CBD). Finding a parking spot is one thing, but understanding how to pay efficiently is another. Fortunately, Nairobi City County has introduced several payment methods that make the process fast, convenient, and hassle-free.

Daily On-Street Parking

Pay through the USSD Code

One of the most convenient ways to pay for daily on-street parking in Nairobi is through USSD codes on your mobile phone. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Dial *647# on your phone.
2. Reply with 1 for Parking.
3. On the next page, you will have eight more options, including Daily Parking.
4. If you want to pay for parking for one day, reply with 1.
5. Enter the vehicle license plate number without leaving any spaces.
6. Reply with the zone you are in, as designated by the Nairobi City Council.
7. Select the category of your vehicle. For example, if you have a private car, you will be asked to pay a specific amount, such as Ksh. 200.
8. Select 1 to proceed with the payment.
9. Enter your M-Pesa PIN for automatic payment.
10. Upon completion, a message will be sent to your phone confirming your payment details.

Pay through the NRS Web Portal

Alternatively, you can pay for daily on-street parking through the NRS Web Portal. Here's how:

1. Log onto https://nairobiservices.go.ke/ and select Parking Services, specifically Daily Parking.
2. Enter your vehicle number plate.
3. Choose your parking zone.
4. Enter your mobile number.
5. An M-Pesa payment request will be displayed on your screen.
6. Enter your M-Pesa PIN and click OK.
7. You will receive a payment notification via SMS from your mobile service provider and NRB_Revenue on successful payment.

Off-Street Parking

Payment for off-street parking is made at the exit from the off-street parking area. You can use the same convenient methods as for on-street parking:

Pay through the USSD Code

1. Dial *647# on your phone.
2. Select Parking Services, then choose Off-Street Parking.
3. Enter your vehicle license plate.
4. An M-Pesa payment request will display on your phone screen.
5. Enter your M-Pesa Pin and click OK.
6. Upon successful payment, you will receive a payment notification via SMS.

Pay through the NRS Web Portal

1. Log onto https://nairobiservices.go.ke/ and select Parking Services, specifically Off-Street Parking.
2. Enter your vehicle number plate and select "Checkout."
3. Enter your mobile number.
4. An M-Pesa payment request will display on your screen.
5. Enter your M-Pesa PIN and click OK.
6. On successful payment, you will receive a payment notification via SMS.

These convenient payment methods have revolutionized the parking experience in Nairobi, making it much more user-friendly and efficient. Whether you're parking on the street or in an off-street facility, you can choose the method that suits you best, reducing the time and effort spent on parking and payment processes.

Transitioning from Jambo Pay to IRMS

Previously, Nairobi relied on Jambo Pay for its parking payment system. However, in June 2019, Nairobi City County introduced the Internal Revenue Management System (IRMS), a more modern and efficient platform. The transition has brought several benefits:

Mobile Money Integration

With IRMS, users can pay for parking using mobile money options like M-Pesa. This integration simplifies the payment process and aligns with the digital payment trends of the modern era.

Streamlined Payment Options

IRMS has streamlined the payment options, making it easier for users to select the type of parking they need and complete transactions swiftly.

Enhanced User Experience

The transition to IRMS has resulted in an enhanced user experience with improved reliability and efficiency. Motorists can now navigate the payment process with ease and confidence.

Nairobi County Portal Guide

Before taking advantage of the convenient online payment options offered by Nairobi City County, you'll need to create an account on the Nairobi County portal. Here's how to do it:

1. First, access the official website of Nairobi e-services or NRS (Nairobi Revenue Services). You can do this by visiting https://nairobiservices.go.ke/.
2. Once on the portal, navigate to the "Parking" section. This is where you'll find the options related to parking services.
3. Choose the type of parking service you require. Nairobi County's portal offers various options, including daily and seasonal, topping up daily, penalty payments, off-street parking, and even the ability to print receipts.
4. When creating your account, you'll be prompted to provide specific details:

• Full Name: Enter your full legal name as it appears on your identification.
• Mobile Number: Provide an active mobile phone number.
• Email Address: Input your email address, which will be used for communication and account-related notifications.
• Password: Generate a secure password that you can use for future logins.

6. Follow the prompts to complete your account setup. This may involve verifying your mobile number or email address to ensure the accuracy of your account information.

Entering Payment Details

Once your Nairobi County portal account is set up, you must provide payment details for parking transactions. Here's what you'll need to do:

1. Within the portal, choose the parking service you require. Nairobi City County offers a range of options to suit different needs.
2. You'll be asked to provide detailed information about your vehicle, including:

• Vehicle Type: Specify the type of vehicle you are parking.
• Registration Number: Enter your vehicle's registration number accurately.

3. Include your mobile phone number, essential for receiving transaction confirmations and notifications.

4. a payment fee will appear on the screen once you've provided your vehicle details. This fee represents the amount you must pay for the selected parking service.

5. Confirm the payment amount and proceed with the payment process. You may be required to enter additional verification information for security purposes.

6. As part of the payment process, you will be prompted to enter your M-Pesa PIN. This ensures secure and authenticated transactions.

7. After successful payment, you will receive a confirmation message on the portal indicating your payment has been processed.

By following these steps, you can create an account on the Nairobi County portal, provide accurate vehicle details, and complete parking payments efficiently. This modern and user-friendly system enhances your parking experience in Nairobi, allowing you to park quickly and confidently.

Nairobi City Council Parking Rates and Regulations

As a responsible motorist in Nairobi, it's crucial to clearly understand the parking rates and regulations set by the Nairobi City Council. Knowing these guidelines ensures compliance and a smooth and hassle-free parking experience.

Nairobi County Parking Rates

The parking rates in Nairobi can vary depending on several factors, including the type of vehicle and the parking duration. Here are some key points to note:

• Saloon Cars: Daily parking fees for saloon cars can range from Ksh 200 to Ksh 300, depending on the location and duration. One-off tickets are also available at Ksh 5,000.
• Public Service Vehicles (PSVs): PSVs, such as matatus and buses, may have monthly parking rates ranging from Ksh 8,000 to Ksh 10,000.
• Lorries and Heavy Vehicles: Larger vehicles may have higher monthly parking rates, sometimes exceeding Ksh 20,000.
• Weekends and Public Holidays: It's important to note that parking fees are often waived on Saturdays from 2 PM onwards, Sundays, and during public holidays.

Rules and Regulations

To maintain order and ensure fairness in the city's parking system, the Nairobi City Council has established several rules and regulations:

1. Non-Payment Consequences

Failure to pay parking fees can lead to clamping and towing of the vehicle. If your car is clamped, you must pay clamping fees to the council to have it released. Therefore, timely payment is essential to avoid inconveniences and extra costs.

2. Settlement of Penalties

If you receive a parking penalty, it's advisable to settle it promptly. Non-payment of penalties and other related expenses incurred within 60 days may result in the disposal of your vehicle through a public notice auction.

3. Display of Parking Tickets

Ensure the parking ticket is displayed clearly on your vehicle's windscreen whenever you pay for parking. Failure to display the ticket may result in non-payment being recorded, leading to penalties or clamping.

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Conclusion

Pay parking in Nairobi has become more convenient and user-friendly than ever before. With the introduction of USSD codes, the Nairobi County portal, and the transition to the Internal Revenue Management System (IRMS), Nairobi motorists can now park quickly and efficiently. Whether you prefer the speed of USSD codes or the convenience of online payments, Nairobi City County has tailored its system to suit your needs.

Additionally, understanding the parking rates and regulations the Nairobi City Council sets is crucial for a hassle-free experience. By paying attention to the type of vehicle you drive, the location of your parking, and the duration, you can ensure that you comply with the rules while keeping your parking costs in check.