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New traffic laws in Kenya target pedestrians, motorcyclists

New traffic laws in Kenya target pedestrians, motorcyclists

By Road Safety Hub reporter 

New rules recently introduced in Kenya will see motorists, pedestrians and motorcyclists pay instant fines if they break traffic laws.

The new laws, meant to tame rising road crashes in the country, were gazetted by Transport Minister James Macharia on September 23, 2016.

Under the Traffic (Minor Offences) Rules 2016, pedestrians will be fined Ksh500 (USD5) for obstructing free passage of vehicles.

Motorcyclists and their passengers who fail to wear helmets and those who carry excess pillion passengers will be fined Ksh1000 (USD10).

Crashes involving pedestrians and motorcycles in Kenya have been on the rise. 

Data from the country’s National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) shows that  863 pedestrians were killed between January and October 10, 2016.

In the same period, 399 motorcyclists and 160 pillion passengers were killed in traffic crashes.

The rules will also target motorists who drive on footpaths, pedestrian walkways or pavements as they will be fined Ksh5,000 (USD 50).

Public Service Vehicles that are popular means of transport and commonly known as matatu, will pay the highest fines.

The fines for speeding, failure to wear seat belts and unauthorized drivers driving public transport vehicles are between Ksh500 and Ksh5,000 (USD5-50)

Motorists who exceed prescribed speed limits will pay a fine of between Ksh500 and Ksh10,000 (USD5-100).


editor@roadsafetyhub.com