DO you push handcarts, trolleys or wheelbarrows for a living in Nairobi?
You will soon be required to get a number plate and insurance for it if a proposed legislation at the city assembly is passed.
Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai wants the non-motorised means of transport strictly regulated and road users protected against accidents and damages.
Alai’s motion also seeks to introduce comprehensive guidelines to ensure the city is not a free space for non-motorised transport owners.
“The initiative aims to address the growing congestion and safety concerns caused by the widespread use of these transport modes, which account for 45 per cent of mobility in the county, according to Unep,” he said.
Data from the Mkokoteni and Trolley Association says Nairobi currently has about 2,608 trolleys and 371 carts.
Nairobi Metropolitan Area Transport Authority says non-motorised transport is dominant, with 40 per cent of commuters walking, especially persons who find public transport expensive.
It says that matatu transportation in the city only account for 29 per cent, private cars (15 per cent of trips) and boda bodas five per cent.
Namata is the agency mandated to coordinate transportation across the Nairobi Metropolitan Authority and is in charge of co-ordination of non-motorised transport provision.
Non-motorised transport project is currently in the final stages of design. The project covers roads in the Nairobi Metropolitan.
The regulations, according to the motion, would see handlers of the non-motorised means use reflective number plates and reflective jackets.
Alai said the unregulated nature of the model of transport space has made the city chaotic and congested with those pushing handcarts and trolleys not regarding lane discipline, causing accidents and inconveniences.
“These measures will provide a framework for operators to acquire necessary road safety knowledge,” he said.
If adopted, Alai said, a six-month grace period will be provided for compliance once the guidelines are operationalised, in collaboration with the transport regulator National Transport and Safety Authority.
Alai said the motion aligns with Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja’s vision of creating a city of dignity and hope.
