If a proposed Bill becomes law, being caught driving on pedestrian walkways or cycling tracks will cost you Sh1 million or a year in prison, or both.
The Kenya Roads (Amendment) Bill 2022 makes driving on undesignated places a criminal offense in order to restore order on Kenyan roads, thereby putting rogue motorists who harass or hurt pedestrians, cyclists, and other non-motorized users on notice.
This will only happen if the Bill sponsored by Samburu West MP Naisula Lesuuda, which is now before the National Assembly, passes.
The bill aims to change section 2 of the Kenya Roads Act of 2007 to make it necessary for all roads to be equipped with a drainage system.
The existing lanes reserved for use by the non-motorized transport have been taken over by motorists leaving pedestrians, cyclists and others to find alternative ways.
But this is now bound to change in a move that will reduce unnecessary accidents on the roads.
“A person who unlawfully uses a lane or cycling track reserved for pedestrians, bicycles or other form of non-motorized transport for any other purpose commits an offence and shall on conviction be liable to fine not exceeding Sh1 million or one year imprisonment or both,” the Bill reads.
It is not just the motorists who have taken over the places reserved for the non-motorized transport.
Mechanics, hawkers and carwash outlets among others have invaded the walkways making it a nightmare for the pedestrians to operate.
The Bill defines non-motorized transport as all forms of travel that do not rely on an engine or motor for movement and includes walking, cycling and mobility assistance devices.
