Plan to Register Wheelbarrows and Handcarts in Nairobi Gains Momentum
Owners of wheelbarrows and handcarts in Nairobi may soon be required to register their transport equipment and install reflective number plates if a new proposal is approved. The motion, introduced by Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai before the Nairobi City County Assembly on Tuesday, seeks to regulate non-motorized transport by setting clear guidelines for their use.
The proposal includes a broad range of non-motorized transport modes, such as wheelbarrows, handcarts, rickshaws, animal-drawn carts, luggage trolleys, and tricycles. According to Alai, the regulations aim to improve safety, enhance road order, and ensure proper management of these widely used transport options.
Addressing Congestion and Safety
Alai emphasized that these regulations are necessary to tackle congestion and safety risks caused by the increasing use of non-motorized transport in the city. He cited data from the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP), which indicates that 45% of Nairobi’s mobility relies on such means.
“The motion proposes issuing reflective number plates for all non-motorized transport, mandating operators to wear reflective jackets, and requiring them to obtain insurance coverage. This will help protect both the operators and third parties in case of accidents,” Alai explained.
In addition to improving visibility and safety, the regulations will also enforce lane discipline and equip operators with essential road safety knowledge. The aim is to create a structured framework that ensures non-motorized transport users adhere to proper road-use practices.
Implementation and Compliance
If the proposal is passed, the county government will provide a six-month grace period for operators to comply with the new guidelines. The implementation will be carried out in collaboration with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), ensuring that the transition is smooth and practical for all stakeholders.
Alai highlighted that the initiative aligns with Nairobi County’s broader efforts to enhance urban safety, improve road organization, and create an inclusive transport system for all road users.
Link to Nairobi’s Transport Monitoring Plans
The proposal also coincides with Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja’s recent announcement on January 23 regarding plans to streamline public transport in the city. Sakaja revealed that the county government, in partnership with NTSA, is working to establish a transport monitoring center aimed at improving order on Nairobi’s roads.
The monitoring center will focus on regulating PSV operations, enforcing speed limits, managing pick-up and drop-off points, and eliminating illegal bus stages. It will also address issues such as overnight parking at bus stops, which often contributes to congestion in the city.
“Through this center, we will ensure that PSVs comply with the regulations and that Nairobi’s roads become more organized and efficient,” Sakaja stated.
With both the proposed regulations for non-motorized transport and the new monitoring center for PSVs, Nairobi County is taking significant steps toward improving urban mobility and road safety for all its residents.
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