A string of air accidents over the past year has reignited concerns over Kenya’s fragmented transport safety system, prompting Limuru MP John Kiragu Chege to propose a new law aimed at consolidating accident investigations under a single national body.

The bill seeks to streamline oversight across all transport sectors—road, rail, air, marine, and pipeline—under one roof, arguing that the current system lacks coordination and often leads to delayed or inefficient responses.

NTSA to take lead

According to the proposed legislation, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) would be tasked with overseeing safety investigations across all land and pipeline transport modes.

Kiragu told the House that merging oversight functions would close existing gaps and enhance accountability in how the country responds to transport-related accidents.

At present, multiple agencies handle separate responsibilities: NTSA and the police oversee road crashes, Kenya Railways looks into rail incidents, the Kenya Maritime Authority covers marine accidents, and the State Department for Transport investigates aircraft crashes.

Kiragu said this siloed approach has failed to serve the country adequately and called for a more integrated framework.

“A unified approach will streamline investigations, improve safety standards, and ensure timely responses to accidents across all transport sectors,” he said.

MPs raise red flags

While the proposed reforms received backing from some members of the Transport Committee, questions arose over whether NTSA, already a road transport regulator, could impartially investigate incidents—especially in aviation.

“NTSA is already a regulator in the road transport sector. Its dual role could undermine the independence required, particularly in aviation, where international standards demand autonomous investigations,” Naica said.

Committee chair Ruaraka MP T.J. Kajwang’ also noted that Kenya must adhere to global standards set by bodies like the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), which require accident investigators to report directly to Parliament or the Head of State.

Spotlight on investigation bureau

In 2023, the Cabinet approved the formation of the Kenya Transport Accident Investigation Bureau, designed to offer independent oversight of road, rail, and maritime incidents. However, its current status remains unclear.

“We need clarity on the Bureau’s progress before expanding NTSA’s mandate,” said Kajwang’. “Our focus should be on ensuring any reforms align with international best practices and guarantee true independence.”

Lawmakers are now expected to consult the Cabinet Secretary for Transport to assess the bureau’s readiness and refine the bill accordingly.