In a comprehensive briefing before the Senate Standing Committee on Roads, the Ministry of Roads and Transport laid bare a sweeping vision to transform Kenya’s transport sector through bold policies, landmark infrastructure projects, and a deliberate shift toward sustainability, technological innovation, and regional integration.

Speaking before the Committee, Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport, Davis Chirchir, emphasized the Ministry’s expansive mandate, highlighting its structure comprising three State Departments: Roads, Transport, and the newly established Aviation and Aerospace Development

“The Ministry is mandated to formulate road and transport policies, develop legal and regulatory frameworks, and provide oversight on service delivery by all State Corporations under its purview,” he said.

Key among the Ministry’s policy priorities is the National Electric Mobility Policy, which has already received Cabinet approval. This policy, according to the Ministry, is a cornerstone for promoting electric vehicles (EVs) and infrastructure development in Kenya. 

CS Chirchir affirmed, “Electric mobility has obtained executive approval to make the policy operational, but the Traffic Act must be updated to accommodate emerging technologies.”

Another highlight is the National Tolling Policy, designed to shift the financing model for roads from public dependency to private investment through a dynamic “User Pay Charges” regime. 

Equally significant is the National Urban Transport Policy, which seeks to streamline urban mobility amidst rapid urbanization and climate change.

Further, the National Aviation Policy, now designated as Sessional Paper No. 6 by Parliament, provides a roadmap for governance, regulation, and sustainability in the aviation sector.

To align legislation with emerging transport trends, the Ministry is advancing a comprehensive legal reform agenda. This includes:

Railway Bill 2025, which separates operations from regulation and introduces the Railway Regulatory Authority.

Kenya Roads Act Cap 408 amendments, introducing Integrated Transport Systems (ITS).

Kenya Transport Accident Investigation Bureau (KeTAIB) Bill, establishing a unified agency for investigating all surface and maritime transport accidents.

Senators raised questions about the Ministry’s priorities and challenges. 

Senator Crystal Asige questioned, “Don’t you think that the Roads Act should be repealed completely since it was enacted in 1999?” 

She also pressed for greater alignment with the newly signed Disability Act: “How can we ensure that all Acts under your ministry are in compliance with the Disability Act?”

Senator Enock Wambua asked a provocative question: “Why don’t we have a tram system in the Nairobi Metropolitan?” while Senator Tobiko lamented, “In Kajiado County, many roads are impassable, and Kitengela has traffic jams that are very heavy.”

CS Chirchir acknowledged funding limitations, noting, “After the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution, the implementation has been progressive. The funds will follow the functions in fullness of time.” 

He also addressed concerns around overlapping functions between national and county governments: “Whether we can merge KERRA and KURA is a proposal that is possible under the legislative process.”

Senate Committee Chair Senator Eddy Oketch posed critical questions on transparency and progress: “What is the status of the Public-Private Partnership on Rironi-Mau Summit dual carriage project?” and “Is your ministry involved in the Nairobi Regeneration Project being undertaken in 13 Nairobi estates?”

From the Rironi-Mau Summit dual carriage PPP to the revitalization of Nairobi Railway City, the Ministry outlined a portfolio of major projects. 

These projects are aligned with national goals under the Fourth Medium Term Plan (MTP IV) 2023-2027, Kenya’s Vision 2030, and the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), with an emphasis on job creation, inclusive development, and environmental.

A special focus was given to the decongestion of Nairobi through the G+ Initiative, a coordinated programme with Nairobi County and development partners. “For efficient evacuation of 30,000 persons per hour by 2030 from the revitalized Nairobi Railway Central Station, we need a multimodal system of BRT, commuter rail, and non-motorized transport,” said Principal Secretary Mohammed Daghar.

The State Department for Transport reiterated its commitment to long-term transformation through a unified, efficient, and climate-conscious transport network. The Department’s functions include national transport policy, railway and civil aviation management, and coordination of the LAPSSET corridor.

Highlighted programmes include the Horn of Africa Gateway Development, Kenya Urban Mobility Improvement Project, and upgrades to Wilson, Moi, and JKIA airports. All are designed to integrate Kenya’s transport ecosystem, deepen regional links, and support the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the SDGs.

The CS concluded on a collaborative note, urging the Senate to support legislative updates and policy alignment. 

“Strengthened partnership between the Senate and the Ministry will ensure we develop a transport system that promotes economic growth, reduces poverty, and contributes to climate resilience.” He emphasized.

Kenya is clearly on a path toward a transformative and inclusive transport future, one that is modern, multimodal, and mindful of the environment. What remains is turning this blueprint into tangible progress on the ground.