Nairobi plans to make big changes for handcarts and similar transport. The County Assembly wants wheelbarrows, rickshaws, mkokoteni, and animal-drawn carts to have number plates from the National Transport and Safety Authority. These vehicles would need registration and licenses under Nairobi County trade rules. The goal aims to make roads safer and less crowded.
Robert Alai from Kileleshwa Ward brought this plan to the Assembly. He wants the County to work with NTSA on clear rules for people who use non-motorized transport. Kenya's Constitution lets everyone move freely around the country. It also gives county governments the job of managing traffic and public transport on roads.
Handcarts and trolleys often cause traffic jams and accidents in Nairobi. Many operators ignore proper lane use and safety measures. They rarely wear bright clothing that helps others see them on the roads. Most lack insurance coverage for accidents they might cause or experience during their work. The new rules address these problems.
The plan requires all non-motorized vehicles to display bright, reflective number plates. Operators must wear safety vests and carry ID badges with their registered numbers. These steps should help identify vehicles and improve order on busy streets. The county will give operators six months to follow these new rules before strict enforcement begins.
Peter Njoroge leads the Mkokoteni and Trolley Association. He says Nairobi currently has 2,608 trolleys and 371 carts operating throughout the city. The Nairobi City County Transport Act from 2020 already requires transport officials to create safety guidelines for non-motorized vehicles like rickshaws and handcarts. The new proposal builds on this existing law.
Robert Alai from Kileleshwa Ward brought this plan to the Assembly. He wants the County to work with NTSA on clear rules for people who use non-motorized transport. Kenya's Constitution lets everyone move freely around the country. It also gives county governments the job of managing traffic and public transport on roads.
Handcarts and trolleys often cause traffic jams and accidents in Nairobi. Many operators ignore proper lane use and safety measures. They rarely wear bright clothing that helps others see them on the roads. Most lack insurance coverage for accidents they might cause or experience during their work. The new rules address these problems.
The plan requires all non-motorized vehicles to display bright, reflective number plates. Operators must wear safety vests and carry ID badges with their registered numbers. These steps should help identify vehicles and improve order on busy streets. The county will give operators six months to follow these new rules before strict enforcement begins.
Peter Njoroge leads the Mkokoteni and Trolley Association. He says Nairobi currently has 2,608 trolleys and 371 carts operating throughout the city. The Nairobi City County Transport Act from 2020 already requires transport officials to create safety guidelines for non-motorized vehicles like rickshaws and handcarts. The new proposal builds on this existing law.
