The Departmental Committee on Transport in the National Assembly has called on the Ministry of Roads and Transport to provide detailed explanations regarding a series of proposed amendment bills currently under review. The proposed amendments, introduced by Hon. Naisula Lesuuda (Samburu West) and Hon. Eng. Kiragu Chege (Limuru), aim to overhaul Kenya’s transport, road safety, and regulatory frameworks to bring them in line with modern standards and global best practices.
During a meeting held earlier today, Committee Chairperson Hon. George Kariuki emphasized the importance of the bills in streamlining and strengthening the transport sector. He urged Ministry officials to provide recommendations on the proposed amendments and stressed the need for capacity building on key transportation statutes.
“These amendments are critical for ensuring that our transport sector is efficient, competitive, and investor-friendly,” said Hon. Kariuki. “This will not only reduce traffic congestion but also promote civility and dignity among our people.”
The bills under consideration include the Kenya Road (Amendment) Bill No. 31 of 2024, sponsored by Hon. Lesuuda, and the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) Bill No. 24 of 2024, presented by Hon. Eng. Chege. Additionally, the committee is reviewing a proposed policy framework from the Ministry of Roads and Transport for the introduction of toll roads, which would require road users to pay for access to certain roads.
Hon. Mwangi Kiunjuri, a member of the committee, noted that the reforms would have a far-reaching impact, contributing to a more organized and efficient transport system. “This engagement with the Ministry will ensure that the transport sector becomes more efficient and competitive, creating an environment that attracts investment and fosters a better quality of life for Kenyans,” he stated.
The Ministry of Roads and Transport was represented by Cabinet Secretary Hon. Davis Chirchir, who expressed strong support for the proposed amendments. CS Chirchir highlighted the Ministry’s ongoing internal reforms and outlined a key proposal in the NTSA Bill to establish the Kenya Transport Accident Investigation Bureau, which would strengthen the country’s capacity to investigate transportation accidents and provide legal backing for ongoing infrastructure projects.
“While we have already started internal reforms, this bill will formalize and strengthen the capacity of accident investigations,” CS Chirchir explained. “It will help us provide comprehensive reports on accidents, including mechanical failures of vehicles, something that has been missing in past investigations.”
Hon. Chege echoed concerns regarding the lack of in-depth reports on road accidents, noting that most investigations have only pointed to driver negligence without exploring other factors such as mechanical failure. “We need to ensure that investigations go beyond driver behavior and address mechanical faults that may contribute to accidents,” he said.
The committee has opened the bills to stakeholders and legal experts for review and public input, encouraging them to submit amendments or recommendations that will shape the final version of the legislation. The proposed amendments are expected to play a pivotal role in transforming Kenya’s transport sector, boosting its efficiency and safety while driving economic growth.
As the bills continue to be reviewed, the National Assembly Transport Committee is keen on ensuring that the final legislation reflects the changing realities of the sector, helping Kenya maintain its competitive edge both nationally and regionally.
The committee is expected to move forward with further consultations before issuing final recommendations on the proposed amendments.
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