Government to Revamp Transport Legislation to Boost Sector Efficiency

MOMBASA—The government has announced a comprehensive plan to overhaul legislation governing Kenya’s transport sector to enhance efficiency and resolve ongoing project delays.

According to Kenya News Agency, speaking at a Mombasa hotel during a session with the Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure, the state is dedicated to completing all pending transport projects and amending relevant laws. The legislation review aims to address legal challenges facing major transport agencies, including the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC), and the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA).

Daghar emphasized the importance of the collaboration between the State Department and the Parliamentary Committee in driving these legislative updates. He noted that efforts include the revocation of the Legal Notice that established the Railway City Development Authority to eliminate functional overlaps with the KRC. Additionally, the draft 2023 Railway Bill is being aligned with the Revised Integrated National Transport Policy, with the revision process nearing completion.

The Principal Secretary highlighted the ongoing amendments to the statutory instruments of regulators like the KCAA, underscoring the government’s commitment to ensuring that the legal framework keeps pace with evolving industry needs. He also mentioned that the KAA is developing a new Airstrips policy to better manage funding and operations of the country’s airstrips.

During the meeting, Committee Chair and Ndia MP George Macharia discussed the current challenges within the transport sector, including airport land encroachments that pose security threats. He outlined the committee’s role in addressing these issues and facilitating the mandates of transportation agencies, especially concerning cargo and passenger operations at major airports and airstrips.

Macharia also addressed concerns about the slow progress of certain projects, such as those at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), attributing some delays to budgetary constraints and pledging to seek additional funding solutions. The committee has temporarily halted the issuance of leases on KAA lands until parliamentary approval is obtained, and it has requested a list of claims from acting KAA Manager Henry Ogoye to determine further actions.