Kenya’s transport sector is poised for a sweeping overhaul, as the Ministry of Roads and Transport has unveiled a comprehensive policy and infrastructure agenda aimed at modernising the country’s transport infrastructure while addressing environmental concerns and urban congestion.

Speaking before the Senate Standing Committee on Roads in Naivasha on Friday, May 9, 2025, Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir laid out a transformative vision anchored on electric mobility, road tolling, legal reforms, and integrated transport systems.

“The ministry is mandated to formulate road and transport policies, develop legal and regulatory frameworks, and provide oversight on service delivery by all state corporations under its purview,” he stated, as detailed in a press release from the National Assembly.

New policies

At the centre of the strategy is the newly approved National Electric Mobility Policy, which seeks to accelerate the uptake of electric vehicles (EVs) and their supporting infrastructure.

“Electric mobility has obtained executive approval to make the policy operational, but the Traffic Act must be updated to accommodate emerging technologies,” Chirchir told senators.

He also announced the introduction of the National Tolling Policy, designed to attract private sector investment in road infrastructure through a ‘User Pay Charges’ system.

Chirchir explained that this approach is expected to reduce reliance on public funding and enhance the efficiency of the road network.

Additionally, the Ministry’s plan features the National Urban Transport Policy, which addresses growing urban congestion and aims to streamline mobility through sustainable modes.

Chirchir further highlighted the establishment of a new State Department for Aviation and Aerospace Development.

He noted that the National Aviation Policy, currently before Parliament as Sessional Paper No. 6, will guide sustainable governance and growth within the aviation sector.

“The National Aviation Policy, now designated as Sessional Paper No. 6 by Parliament, provides a roadmap for governance, regulation, and sustainability in the aviation sector,” the statement reads.

Legal reforms

The ministry is also pursuing legislative changes to align with emerging transport trends through proposed bills and amendments.

These include the Railway Bill 2025, which would establish the Railway Regulatory Authority; amendments to the Kenya Roads Act Cap 408 to introduce Integrated Transport Systems (ITS); and the introduction of the Kenya Transport Accident Investigation Bureau (KeTAIB) Bill, which proposes the establishment of a unified agency to investigate land and maritime transport accidents.

Concerns raised

During the session, senators raised several concerns, including outdated legislation, accessibility, and service delivery.

Nominated Senator Crystal Asige questioned the continued relevance of the 1999 Roads Act and urged alignment with the recently enacted Disability Act.

“Don’t you think that the Roads Act should be repealed completely since it was enacted in 1999?” she asked.

Kitui County Senator Enock Wambua inquired about the absence of a tram system in the Nairobi Metropolitan region, emphasising the need for diverse solutions to urban mobility challenges.

“Why don’t we have a tram system in the Nairobi Metropolitan?” he posed.

Others, including Nominated Senator Peris Tobiko and Migori Senator Eddy Oketch, pressed the ministry on traffic congestion, stalled projects, and coordination with county governments.

In response, Chirchir acknowledged budgetary constraints and governance overlaps, suggesting the potential legislative merger of KURA (Kenya Urban Roads Authority) and KeRRA (Kenya Rural Roads Authority).

“After the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution, the implementation has been progressive. The funds will follow the functions in fullness of time,” he stated.

“Whether we can merge KERRA and KURA is a proposal that is possible under the legislative process,” he added.

Ongoing projects

The ministry also highlighted key ongoing projects, including the Rironi-Mau Summit dual carriage public-private partnership, the Nairobi Railway City revitalisation, and the G+ Initiative aimed at decongesting Nairobi.

Other flagship programmes include the Horn of Africa Gateway Development, upgrades to Wilson, Moi, and JKIA airports, and continued work on the LAPSSET corridor.

“All are designed to integrate Kenya’s transport ecosystem, deepen regional links, and support the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the SDGs,” the statement elaborated.

Principal Secretary Mohammed Daghar noted that multimodal transport systems — combining BRT, commuter rail, and non-motorised transit — would be essential to meet growing urban demand.

“For efficient evacuation of 30,000 persons per hour by 2030 from the revitalised Nairobi Railway Central Station, we need a multimodal system of BRT, commuter rail, and non-motorised transport,” Daghar stated.

Chirchir concluded by urging senators to support the ministry’s legislative proposals to enable progress.

“Strengthened partnership between the Senate and the Ministry will ensure we develop a transport system that promotes economic growth, reduces poverty, and contributes to climate resilience,” he said.