In a bid to streamline traffic flow and enhance safety, the Nairobi County Assembly is considering a bold new measure: the introduction of number plates for non-motorised transport. This plan, spearheaded by Kileleshwa Member of County Assembly (MCA) Robert Alai, seeks to bring order to the bustling Central Business District (CBD) by regulating wheelbarrows, handcarts, rickshaws, animal-drawn carts, luggage trolleys, and tricycles.
According to Alai, the proliferation of these non-motorised vehicles has contributed significantly to congestion and safety hazards in the city. “We need to address the disorder and safety concerns arising from the uncontrolled use of these transport modes,” Alai stated when tabling the motion.
The proposed policy introduces a range of safety and regulatory measures. These include the mandatory registration of non-motorised vehicles, the installation of reflective number plates, the use of reflective jackets by operators, and insurance coverage to mitigate accident and third-party damage risks. These measures aim to not only improve traffic discipline but also enhance the safety and professionalism of operators.
If the motion is passed, operators will be granted a six-month grace period to comply with the new regulations. This phased approach is intended to ease the transition and ensure all affected parties have adequate time to meet the requirements.
Traffic congestion has long plagued Nairobi’s CBD, with far-reaching impacts on the local economy and quality of life. The delays caused by overcrowded streets lead to lost productivity, increased fuel consumption, and environmental pollution. Alai believes that introducing structured guidelines for non-motorised transport will be a key step toward alleviating these issues and restoring the city’s aesthetic appeal.
While the proposal has sparked debate, supporters argue that regulating all forms of transport is crucial for creating a more efficient and organized urban environment. Critics, however, worry about the additional costs and bureaucratic hurdles the new requirements might impose on small-scale operators.
As the motion awaits deliberation, Nairobi residents and business owners remain eager to see whether this unconventional approach will pave the way for a more orderly and safer city landscape.
