Kenya Set To Have First Non-Motorized Transport Law

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), majority of people who lose their lives on road accidents in Kenya are vulnerable road users – pedestrians, motorcyclists, and cyclists. In addition, nearly one-third of fatalities occur to passengers. Many of whom are killed by using unsafe forms of public transportation including motor bikes taxis (boda boda).

Boda boda riders cause many accidents on the roads and are also victims. Many hospitals in Kenya have wards that are either full of boda boda accidents victims or are specifically for them.

A good example is the Orthopedic Ward at Kenyatta National Hospital which is always streaming with boda boda accident victims.

Hope for safer roads

On December 3, 2020, Naisula Lesuuda, Member of Parliament for the Samburu West constituency, made an announcement that brought hope for road users. Lesuuda said that Kenya is set to have the first Non-Motorized Transport (NMT) law once a bill seeking for amendment is approved by the National Assembly.

The legislator added that she hopes that parliament will pass the much needed NMT legislation and the president will assent to it.

“I am happy to inform Kenyans that the bill has been approved by the Speaker of the National Assembly. It is undergoing drafting and review process before publication and introduction in the House,” said Lesuuda.

If passed into law, the amendment bill will ensure cycling, walking lanes and all other road infrastructure that aid in attaining sustainable road transport systems are prioritized.

“Unfortunately, the blatant discrimination on our roads against some road users like pedestrians and cyclists is anchored and supported 100 percent by our laws. Why build roads for cars only while the majority of Kenyans do not own vehicles or afford public transport costs?” said Lesuuda.

The bill focuses on amending the Kenya Roads Act to:

(i) “Speed up and prioritize NMT through the exploration of holistic national legislation which can be domesticated, adopted in part or wholly across Kenya.”

(ii) “Ensure all the road infrastructure agencies, government entities as well as experts from the conservation and private sector come together to develop a long-term solution.”

(iii) “Boost Kenya’s climate change mitigation and adaptation measures and commitments, under the National Climate Change Action Plan and Green Economy Strategy and Implementation Plan, towards a low carbon pathway.”