National Road Traffic Amendment Bill An Overview

The National Road Traffic Amendment Bill (the Amendment Bill) is a comprehensive piece of legislation aimed at strengthening road safety, improving traffic management, and aligning Kenyas road traffic framework with international standards. It builds on the existing Road Traffic Act of 2016, introducing new offences, stricter penalties, and enhanced responsibilities for drivers, vehicle owners, and authorities.

Passed by Parliament in 2024, the Amendment Bill reflects growing concerns over road fatalities, illegal vehicle operations, and the need for a more accountable transport sector. The legislation is expected to take effect from 1January2025, with a phased rollout for certain provisions.

1. Revised Speed Limits

• Urban areas: maximum 50km/h, reduced to 30km/h in residential zones.
• Rural highways: 80km/h unless otherwise signposted.
• Motorways: 120km/h with electronic speed monitoring.

2. Mandatory Use of Seat Belts and Child Restraints

Failure to wear seat belts or use appropriate child restraints now carries a fine of KSh5,000 and three demerit points.

3. Stricter Penalties for DrinkDriving

The legal bloodalcohol limit is reduced from 0.08% to 0.05%. Offences attract:

• First offence KSh50,000 fine, six demerit points, 30day license suspension.
• Second offence KSh150,000 fine, 12 demerit points, sixmonth suspension.
• Third offence Imprisonment up to 12months, revocation of licence.

4. Electronic RoadUser Registration (eRUR)

All motor vehicles must be registered on the eRUR platform, allowing realtime verification of ownership, insurance, and roadworthiness status.

5. Heavy Vehicle Audits

Commercial trucks over 3,500kg are required to undergo annual safety audits certified by accredited inspection centres.

6. New Offence Using Mobile Devices While Driving

Holding or operating a handheld device while the vehicle is in motion incurs a KSh3,000 fine and two demerit points.

7. RoadSide Alcohol Testing (RSAT)

Police may conduct random breath tests without prior suspicion, provided a portable breathalyzer is used.

8. Strengthened Role of the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA)

NTSA gains authority to suspend licences, seize vehicles, and impose administrative fines for noncompliance.

When fully implemented, the Amendment Bill is projected to reduce roadtraffic deaths by up to 25% within the first three years. Primary benefits include:

• Improved Road Safety: Lower speed limits and stricter drinkdriving penalties address two leading causes of fatalities.
• Enhanced Accountability: eRUR creates a transparent registration system, discouraging illegal vehicle operations.
• Better Enforcement: New offences and technologydriven tools (RSAT, speed cameras) give lawenforcement agencies more actionable options.
• Economic Gains: Fewer accidents translate into reduced medical costs, lower insurance premiums, and less congestion.

While many stakeholders welcome the Bill, several concerns have been raised:

• Cost of Compliance: Small transport operators fear that audit fees and eRUR registration costs could be prohibitive.
• Enforcement Capacity: Critics argue that police and NTSA lack sufficient equipment to conduct widespread RSAT and speed monitoring.
• Potential for Corruption: Some fear that discretionary powers may be abused without proper oversight mechanisms.
• Impact on Rural Communities: Stricter speed limits may affect the efficiency of goods transport in remote areas.

To address these issues, the Ministry of Transport has pledged subsidised audit services for microbusinesses, increased budget allocations for enforcement equipment, and the establishment of an independent oversight committee.

1. Q32024 Public Awareness Campaign: Nationwide roadsafety programmes, media spots, and community workshops.
2. Q42024 Training of Enforcement Officers: Intensive courses on RSAT, electronic ticketing, and audit procedures.
3. January2025 Commencement of Core Provisions: New speed limits, drinkdriving penalties, and mandatory seatbelt usage become enforceable.
4. April2025 eRUR System GoLive: Mandatory vehicle registration, with a grace period of 60days for existing owners.
5. July2025 HeavyVehicle Audits: All commercial trucks must submit audit certificates; noncompliant vehicles are barred from highways.
6. December2025 Review & Adjustment: Government conducts an impact assessment and may adjust provisions based on data.

• Ministry of Transport Official Website
• National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA)
• Parliamentary Bills Repository Full Text of the Amendment Bill
• UN Road Safety Collaboration International Guidelines