The Nairobi City County Assembly is pushing for new transport regulations that would require wheelbarrows, rickshaws, mkokoteni (handcarts), animal-drawn carts, luggage trolleys, and tricycles to be registered and issued with number plates by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA).

A motion tabled by Kileleshwa Ward MCA Robert Alai seeks to regulate non-motorised transport within the city to improve road safety and ease congestion.

The proposal calls on the County Executive to collaborate with NTSA to establish clear guidelines for the registration and regulation of these transport operators.

Alai stated that while the Constitution guarantees freedom of movement, the Fourth Schedule places the management of traffic, parking, and public road transport under county governments.

“We are deeply concerned that the rise in the use of non-motorised means of transport has led to congestion in the city, with handcarts and trolleys being the leading cause of accidents resulting from high disregard for lane discipline by users and the use of reflective jackets,” he said.

Peter Njoroge, chairman of the Mkokoteni and Trolley Association, stated that Nairobi currently has approximately 2,608 trolleys and 371 carts.

The motion emphasises that many non-motorised transport operators lack proper road safety knowledge and insurance coverage, putting both themselves and other road users at risk.

If approved, the proposed regulations would require all non-motorised transport units to be registered and assigned reflective number plates for easy identification.

Operators would also need to wear reflective jackets and carry badges with registered numbers to enhance order and visibility on the roads.

To allow a smooth transition, the county plans to give a six-month notice before the enforcement of the new rules begins.

“This will allow operators ample time to comply with the regulations before full enforcement begins,” reads the proposed legislation.

The Nairobi City County Transport Act, 2020, mandates the County Executive Committee Member for Transport to establish guidelines ensuring the safe movement of non-motorised transport users, including rickshaws and handcarts.