The Senate Committee on Delegated Legislation, chaired by Sen. Mwenda Gataya (Tharaka Nithi) held a meeting with the Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport Davis Chirchir, alongside other stakeholders to deliberate on various regulations published by the Ministry of Roads and Transport.

The meeting followed concerns raised by the Committee regarding the proposed regulations, with the Cabinet Secretary seeking to clarify issues highlighted by Lawmakers while appealing to Members to approve the measures.

The Committee considered the Traffic (School Transport) Rules, 2026 (Legal Notice No. 11 of 2026), the Traffic (Drink-Driving) Rules, 2026 (Legal Notice No. 12 of 2026), the Traffic (Motor Vehicle Inspection) Rules, 2026 (Legal Notice No. 13 of 2026), and the National Transport and Safety Authority (Operation of Commercial Vehicles) Regulations, 2026 (Legal Notice No. 14 of 2026). The Ministry urged the Committee to approve the regulations, citing their importance in enhancing road safety.

Committee members reiterated earlier concerns, including inadequate public participation, a short transition period, inconsistencies in penalties and the absence of clear timelines for the issuance and determination of licences.

Stakeholders, including the Kenya Private Schools Association through its President, Miss Rosebella Ojiambo and Chief Executive Officer, Miss Rose Eteye, raised concerns and proposed several measures. These included phased implementation to allow schools sufficient time to comply with the new inspection requirements, harmonisation of the Rules with existing education and transport policies and the designation of inspection centres specifically for schools.

“The Government and NTSA should establish more decentralised inspection centres or mobile inspection units to reduce logistical challenges faced by schools in remote regions. Inspection fees for school transport vehicles should also be reviewed or subsidised to avoid passing excessive costs to parents through increased transport charges,” said Miss Eteye.

The stakeholders further called for continuous engagement between the NTSA, the Ministry of Education and private school associations before full implementation of the Rules.

On the transition period, stakeholders urged the Government to provide adequate timelines and roll out public awareness programmes before enforcement and penalties take effect. Similar sentiments were echoed by the Kenya Motorists Association through Mr Peter Murima.

Regulators welcomed the views presented by Senators and stakeholders, while urging Legislators to approve the regulations as the identified concerns are addressed progressively. Committee members, however, advised regulators to prioritise consultations before publishing regulations to avoid annulment by the Senate.

Committee Chairperson Sen. Gataya assured stakeholders that the Committee would prepare a comprehensive report on the matter.

“As a Committee, we are going to submit a comprehensive report considering all the submissions and input made to us,” said Sen. Gataya.

Other Committee members present included Senators Danson Mungatana (Vice Chairperson), Mohamed Faki (Mombasa), Daniel Maanzo (Makueni) and Issa Juma (Kwale).