Navigating Nairobi’s bustling streets can be a challenge, but finding parking can be even more frustrating. However, with a little know-how, you can easily find parking in Nairobi and pay for it without hassle. Paying for parking has become more convenient with the rise of parking apps. In this article, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to pay for parking in Nairobi.
Step 1: Find a Parking Spot
The first step to paying for parking in Nairobi is to find a parking spot. You can park on the street, in a parking lot, or a designated parking area. Nairobi City County has designated parking areas that charge a fee for parking. These areas are easily identifiable with blue lines and signage indicating the parking zones.
Step 2: Obtain a Parking Ticket
Once you have parked your car in the designated parking area, the next step is to obtain a parking ticket. The parking ticket is a small piece of paper that indicates the time and date of arrival, and the amount you need to pay for parking.
You can obtain a parking ticket by visiting the parking attendant stationed near the parking area. The attendant will give you a ticket in exchange for the parking fee.
Step 3: Pay For Parking
Now that you have a parking ticket, you need to pay for parking. In Nairobi, there are several ways to pay for parking. You can pay with cash, M-Pesa, or via a parking app.
1. Paying Through Cash: If you decide to pay with cash, simply hand over the parking ticket to the parking attendant and pay the parking fee. The attendant will give you a receipt to show that you have paid for parking.
2. Paying Through Mpesa. Paying through mpesa you need to follow below steps.
- Dial *486# on your phone
- Select “Parking” from the menu
- Enter the parking ticket number
- Enter the amount indicated on the parking ticket
- Enter your M-Pesa PIN to confirm the payment
3 Paying Through App. If you prefer to use a parking app, download one of the many available parking apps in Nairobi, such as JamboPay , Parkopedia, and Payphone.
- Download a parking app. Choose an app that is compatible with your device and that is supported in the area where you need to park.
- Create an Account. Once you have downloaded the app, create an account. You will need to provide your personal details, such as your name, email address, and phone number. You may also need to provide your vehicle registration number.
- Enter the parking Zone. Once you have created an account, enter the parking zone where you want to park. The app will show you a map of the area with the available parking zones.
- Enter the Parking Duration. Select the parking duration you require. You can choose to pay for the minimum duration, which is usually 30 minutes, or for a longer duration, depending on how long you plan to park.
- Pay for the parking. The app will show you the parking fee and allow you to pay using your preferred payment method. You can pay using a credit card, a debit card, or a digital wallet, such as Apple Pay or Google Wallet or Mpesa.
- Confirm the Payment. Once you have paid for parking, the app will send you a confirmation of your payment. This confirmation will show you the time and date of your payment, the parking zone, and the duration of your parking.
- Display the Parking Ticket. The app will generate a digital parking ticket. Display this ticket on the dashboard of your car to show that you have paid for parking. The parking enforcement officers will use this ticket to verify that you have paid for parking.
- Extend the Parking Duration. If you need to extend your parking duration, you can do so using the app. Simply select the parking zone where you are parked and choose to extend your parking duration. The app will show you the additional parking fee and allow you to pay for it.
Step 4: Display Your Parking Ticket
After you have paid for parking, display your parking ticket on the dashboard of your car. This will indicate to the parking attendants that you have paid for parking and that you are within the allocated parking time.
Step 5: Leave the Parking Area
When you are ready to leave the parking area, simply drive out of the parking area. The parking attendants will verify that you have paid for parking by checking your parking ticket. If your ticket is valid, they will allow you to exit the parking area.
Conclusion
Navigating Nairobi’s streets can be challenging, but finding parking and paying for it doesn’t have to be. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily find parking in Nairobi and pay for it without hassle. Remember to always display your parking ticket and pay for parking to avoid any parking fines.
