Kileleshwa Member of County Assembly (MCA) Robert Alai has addressed the public outcry that followed his proposal to register and regulate handcarts, wheelbarrows, and other non-motorized transport in Nairobi County.
Speaking on social media on Thursday morning, Alai clarified that the reflective number plates proposed in his Bill would be issued at no cost to operators. He emphasized that the registration was purely for recognition and would not come with any financial burden.
“The 047-XXX registration numbers and plates for mkokoteni, wheelbarrow, and trolley pushers will be provided for free. Our goal is simply to recognize the hard work of these individuals,” Alai stated.
His proposal, which was tabled in the Nairobi County Assembly on Tuesday, March 4, received immediate backlash from the public. Many Nairobi residents questioned the priority of the Bill, arguing that there were more urgent issues that needed attention.
However, Alai defended the initiative, saying it aimed to tackle growing concerns over congestion and road safety caused by the widespread use of handcarts and similar transport modes. He cited data from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), which estimates that non-motorized transport accounts for 45% of mobility in Nairobi.
“This initiative seeks to bring order and enhance safety on our roads. The motion proposes issuing reflective number plates for all non-motorized transport, requiring operators to wear reflective jackets, and ensuring they obtain insurance coverage for accidents and third-party damages,” Alai explained.
He further noted that apart from providing a formal means of identification, the proposed system would help instill discipline among operators, improve road safety, and create a structured framework for educating them on essential traffic regulations.
If the Bill is approved, operators will be granted a six-month transition period to comply with the new guidelines in collaboration with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA).
Alai also pointed out that the proposal aligns with Nairobi County’s broader strategy to ease congestion, enhance urban safety, and ensure better organization of road users.
This comes shortly after Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja engaged NTSA officials in discussions on improving traffic management in the city.
Following their meeting on January 23, Sakaja revealed plans to establish a traffic monitoring centre in partnership with NTSA. The centre will track the movement of public service vehicles (PSVs) to enforce compliance with traffic laws.
“Through this monitoring centre, we will ensure that PSVs adhere to regulations and maintain order on our roads,” Sakaja stated.
He added that in the coming weeks, county officials would meet with PSV stakeholders to address key concerns such as route disorder, parking violations, uniform standards, and speeding.
“Restoring order in the public transport sector is non-negotiable,” he affirmed.
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