MPs scrap 15-year grace period for compulsory pedestrian, cyclist tracks
The Kenyan National Assembly has passed a bill requiring road agencies to include pedestrian and cyclist tracks in all road projects, removing a 15-year grace period for compliance. The bill now awaits Senate approval and presidential assent to become law.
Why it matters
This represents a significant shift in urban planning and infrastructure policy, prioritizing non-motorized transport safety over the financial convenience of road agencies.
Samburu West MP Naisula Lesuuda. County governments and road agencies could be forced to immediately start constructing cyclist and pedestrian tracks on every road.
This will be if the Senate agrees with the National Assembly on a new law compelling the agencies and county governments to build roads with pedestrians and cyclists in mind.
MPs deleted a key transitional clause that would have given the implementing agencies 15 years to comply with new non-motorised transport requirements.
In consideration of the Kenya Roads (Amendment) Bill, 2024, lawmakers struck out a provision that had been designed to cushion counties and road authorities.
It was to allow them at least 15 years to redesign existing roads, a situation that would have excused them from the financial and logistical burden.
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