Nairobi County Pushes Transport Reforms for Non Motorized Units

Nairobi City County Assembly aims to introduce new transport reforms. These changes would require number plates for wheelbarrows, rickshaws, mkokoteni, animal-drawn carts, luggage trolleys, and tricycles. The National Transport and Safety Authority would issue these plates.

The Nairobi Assembly motion wants to regulate non-motorized transport (NMT) in the city. The goal is to improve road safety and reduce congestion. Kileleshwa Ward MCA Robert Alai presented the motion.

It urges the County Executive to work with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA). Together, they would develop guidelines for registering and regulating non-motorized transport operators. Alai points out that the Constitution of Kenya protects freedom of movement for all.

The Constitution also gives county governments the responsibility to manage traffic, parking, and public road transport. Alai expresses concern about the growing use of non-motorized transport, which is leading to city congestion. Handcarts and trolleys are major causes of accidents due to poor lane discipline and a lack of reflective jackets.

The motion also notes that most non-motorized road users have insufficient road safety knowledge and lack insurance coverage in case of accidents. Handcart and trolley operators demonstrate poor lane discipline and road safety awareness.

Under the proposed regulations, the county will collaborate closely with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA). The aim is to streamline operations and increase accountability among users of wheelbarrows, rickshaws, handcarts, animal-drawn carts, luggage trolleys, and tricycles.

Going forward, all non-motorized transport units must be registered and have reflective number plates for easy identification. Operators will need to wear reflective jackets and display operating badges with registered numbers. This will improve visibility and order on the roads.

The county will provide a six-month notice period once the new registration guidelines are implemented. Operators will have sufficient time to adhere to the regulations before full enforcement starts. The proposed legislation outlines this transition plan.

Peter Njoroge, current chairman of Mkokoteni and Trolley Association, states that Nairobi has approximately 2,608 trolleys and 371 carts. The Nairobi City County Transport Act 2020 requires the County Executive Committee Member responsible for transport to establish guidelines. These guidelines should ensure the safe movement of non-motorized transport users, such as rickshaws and handcarts.
 

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