Kiambu County has embraced a cashless system for parking payments, making it easier for motorists to access parking services without the need for physical currency. In 2018, the county introduced digital payment options, part of a broader effort to modernize service delivery and improve revenue collection. However, for many, the shift to a digital platform can be confusing. This guide will help you understand how to navigate Kiambu County’s parking payment system, whether using USSD, M-Pesa, or the upcoming online platform.
1. Using USSD Code for Parking Payments
Kiambu County has provided a USSD code, 419#, that allows motorists to register and pay for parking quickly. Here is a simple step-by-step guide to using the USSD system.
Registration Process:
Before you can pay for parking, you need to register with the county’s digital system. The process is straightforward:
- Dial 419# on your phone.
- Enter your first name.
- Enter your last name.
- Provide your ID or passport number.
- Once you’ve completed these steps, you will receive a confirmation of successful registration.
Payment Process:
Once registered, follow these steps to pay for parking:
- Dial 419# on your phone again.
- Select the Sub-County where the parking service is required.
- Choose the service you need – in this case, parking.
- Select MPesa as the payment method.
- You will be directed to the MPesa Toolkit to complete your payment.
This process ensures a quick and seamless parking experience, allowing motorists to pay on the go without needing an internet connection or physical tickets.
2. Paying for Parking via M-Pesa
For those familiar with M-Pesa, paying for parking in Kiambu County using this method is straightforward. M-Pesa offers a quick way to pay your parking fees with a few simple steps. Here’s how you can do it:
- Go to the M-Pesa menu on your phone.
- Select Lipa na M-Pesa.
- Choose Pay Bill.
- Enter the Kiambu County Government business number: 868822.
- Input your vehicle registration number as the account number.
- Enter the amount based on your parking charges (which we’ll explore in the next section).
- Complete the transaction by entering your M-Pesa PIN.
Once the transaction is successful, you will receive a confirmation SMS from both M-Pesa and the Kiambu County government. This makes M-Pesa a reliable and efficient way to manage your parking fees.
3. Future Online Payments with KiambuPay
Kiambu County is also working on a dedicated online payment system known as KiambuPay. Although still under development, this platform is expected to streamline the payment process further by offering a user-friendly, online solution for various services, including parking.
Once fully operational, KiambuPay will provide an alternative to USSD and M-Pesa, offering features like detailed payment histories, receipts, and the ability to handle multiple transactions at once. This platform is expected to enhance convenience for both residents and visitors to the county.
For now, motorists can continue to use the USSD code or M-Pesa for their parking payments until the online platform is fully launched.
Kiambu County Parking Hours and Charges
Parking fees in Kiambu County vary based on the type of vehicle and the specific town where the service is being utilized. The county enforces parking fees during weekdays, while parking is free on Saturdays from 2:00 PM, on Sundays, and on public holidays.
Daily Parking Charges:
| Town | Saloon/Pick-Up | Omnibus/Omni Truck | Bus/Transport Truck | Truck with Trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thika, Ruiru, Kiambu, Kikuyu, Ruaka | 100 KES | 200 KES | 250 KES | 400 KES |
| Other Towns | 50 KES | 100 KES | 150 KES | 300 KES |
Monthly Parking Charges:
| Town | Saloon/Pick-Up | Omnibus/Omni Truck | Bus/Transport Truck | Truck with Trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thika, Ruiru, Kiambu, Kikuyu, Ruaka | 2,000 KES | 4,000 KES | 5,000 KES | 8,000 KES |
| Other Towns | 1,000 KES | 1,500 KES | 2,500 KES | 4,000 KES |
Quarterly Parking Charges:
| Town | Saloon/Pick-Up | Omnibus/Omni Truck | Bus/Transport Truck | Truck with Trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thika, Ruiru, Kiambu, Kikuyu, Ruaka | 5,000 KES | 11,000 KES | 14,000 KES | 20,000 KES |
| Other Towns | 3,000 KES | 7,000 KES | 8,000 KES | 15,000 KES |
Reserved Parking Charges (Quarterly):
| Town | Saloon/Pick-Up | Omnibus/Omni Truck | Bus/Transport Truck | Truck with Trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thika, Ruiru, Kiambu, Kikuyu, Ruaka | 15,000 KES | 18,000 KES | 20,000 KES | 30,000 KES |
| Other Towns | 10,000 KES | 15,000 KES | 18,000 KES | 25,000 KES |
Half-Yearly and Annual Parking Charges:
For motorists who prefer longer-term parking, Kiambu County also offers half-yearly and annual options, which come with discounted rates for extended use. These options are available for all vehicle types, ensuring flexibility depending on your parking needs.
Bottom Line
Kiambu County has taken steps to simplify parking payments by introducing both USSD and M-Pesa payment methods. These cashless solutions are designed to reduce the inconvenience of manual transactions, while ensuring that revenue collection is streamlined and efficient. For now, you can easily pay for parking through the 419# USSD code or the M-Pesa Pay Bill number 868822.
In the near future, the KiambuPay online system will provide even more flexibility and convenience, making it easier than ever to manage your parking payments from anywhere. Whether you’re a resident or visiting, paying for parking in Kiambu County has never been easier.
