Kenyan roads could soon feature dedicated lanes for cyclists and pedestrians following the National Assembly’s approval of the Kenya Roads (Amendment) Bill, 2024, on Thursday, August 13.
Sponsored by Samburu West Member of Parliament (MP) Naisula Lesuuda, the Bill seeks to make it mandatory for road authorities to incorporate infrastructure for non-motorised transport when designing and constructing roads.
The proposed law provides for dedicated facilities such as cycling lanes, pedestrian walkways and pedestrian crossings to improve safety for people travelling on foot or by bicycle.
"The principal Act is amended to include designing and constructing designated tracks for non-motorised transport for existing roads and new roads under its control, including cycling lanes and pedestrian walkways which shall be separated from tracks for motorised transport," the Bill states.
If enacted, the legislation would require the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) and Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) to design and build dedicated non-motorised transport facilities on roads under their respective jurisdictions.
The Bill also introduces legal definitions for cycling lanes, pedestrian walkways and non-motorised vehicles, establishing a framework for the development and management of the facilities.
Police would additionally be empowered to enforce compliance with the designated non-motorised transport infrastructure and protect cyclists and pedestrians using the facilities.
Following its passage by the National Assembly, the Bill will be forwarded to President William Ruto for presidential assent before it can become law.
If signed into law, the proposed changes would require road planners to factor pedestrians and cyclists into road designs, potentially improving safety for some of Kenya’s most vulnerable road users.
Data from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) shows that pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists account for up to 76 per cent of road traffic deaths in Kenya.
Pedestrians consistently record the highest number of fatalities, accounting for more than 36 per cent of road deaths annually. Major urban corridors, including the Thika Superhighway, continue to record a significant number of crashes.
