Kenyan Roads to Get Special Lanes for Cyclists & Pedestrians

Kenyan roads may soon have separate lanes for cyclists and pedestrians as the government moves to improve road safety for everyone.

This follows the approval of the Kenya Roads (Amendment) Bill, 2024, by the National Assembly on Thursday, August 13. The bill was sponsored by Samburu West MP Naisula Lesuuda. It aims to make sure road authorities include infrastructure for non-motorised transport when designing and building roads.

The proposed law provides for cycling lanes, pedestrian walkways and pedestrian crossings. According to the bill, the main law will be changed to require the design and construction of designated tracks for non-motorised transport. This applies to both existing roads and new roads. The tracks, including cycling lanes and pedestrian walkways, must be separated from motorised vehicle lanes.

The new rules would affect three major road authorities: the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA), and Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA). All of them would be required to build these special facilities on roads under their control.

Data from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) shows that pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists make up 76 percent of all road traffic deaths in Kenya. Pedestrians alone account for over 36 per cent of road deaths every year. 

The bill now goes to President William Ruto for his signature. Once signed, it will become law.