Nairobi County Assembly proposes new rules for non-motorized transport

The Nairobi City County Assembly is proposing new transport regulations for all non-motorized transport in the county.

The new regulations would require the registration of wheelbarrows, rickshaws, handcarts (mkokoteni), animal-drawn carts, luggage trolleys, and tricycles.

Kileleshwa Ward MCA Robert Alai who is mover of the motion says under the new rules, non-motorized transport modes would be issued number plates by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA).

The proposal urges the County Executive to collaborate with the NTSA in formulating clear regulations for the registration and management of these transport operators.

Alai noted that while the Constitution protects the right to free movement, the Fourth Schedule assigns county governments the authority to oversee traffic, parking, and public road transport.

“We are seriously concerned about the increasing use of non-motorized transport, which has led to congestion in the city. Handcarts and trolleys are a leading cause of accidents due to frequent lane indiscipline and the failure of users to wear reflective jackets,” he said.

Peter Njoroge, the chairman of the Mkokoteni and Trolley Association, revealed that Nairobi currently has an estimated 2,608 trolleys and 371 carts in operation.

The motion emphasizes that many non-motorized transport operators lack proper road safety education and insurance, putting themselves and other road users at risk.