An aerial view of Thika Superhighway and Sponsor of the Bill, Naisula Lesuuda [Courtesy]
Kenyan roads could soon have dedicated lanes for cyclists and pedestrian walkways after the Members of Parliament approved legislation seeking to make non-motorised transport infrastructure a mandatory part of road design. The Bill, sponsored by Naisula Lesuuda as National Assembly Bill No. 31 of 2024, seeks to amend the Kenya Roads Act to strengthen the provision of infrastructure for non-motorised transport (NMT).
If enacted, the proposed law will require road authorities to incorporate facilities specifically designed for pedestrians to walk, cycle or use other forms non-motorised transport.
Dedicated cycling lanes, pedestrians’ walkways and pedestrian crossing with infrastructure separated from lanes used by motorists are among the facilities proposed in law.
The Bill targets the Kenya National Highway Authority (KeNHA), Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) and Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) to factor non-motorised transport facilities into design and constructions of roads under their jurisdiction. The bill seeks to mandate police officers with the duty of enforcing the use of non-motorised transport infrastructure protecting pedestrians and cyclists using their facilities.
