Members of the Kirinyaga County Assembly have called for urgent traffic reforms aimed at addressing rising congestion, poor urban planning, and growing safety concerns in major urban centres across the county.
The proposed changes are expected to reshape how transport systems are managed and improve overall urban mobility if implemented effectively.
In a motion, presented by Inoi Ward MCA Fredrick Karimi, the leaders called for the establishment of designated lay-bys for public transport alongside properly structured parking and loading zones.
According to Karimi, the continued use of narrow two-way streets in high-density areas has made it increasingly difficult to create orderly transport systems, leading to persistent gridlock and operational inefficiencies.
The MCA noted that the absence of designated spaces has forced motorists and public service vehicles to operate in an unregulated environment, often resulting in congestion, delays, and unnecessary enforcement actions such as clamping.
He argued that the introduction of proper laybys would not only decongest roads but also bring order to public transport operations, allowing for safer and more predictable movement within towns.
He further stated that the reforms would significantly reduce disputes between motorists and enforcement officers by clearly defining where parking is allowed.
This, he said, would promote fairness and transparency in traffic management while eliminating confusion that currently exists in many urban centres.
Karimi added that improved traffic planning would also enhance road safety by reducing the risks associated with chaotic parking and uncontrolled stopping of vehicles along narrow roads.
He emphasized that a well-structured transport system would ensure smoother flow of goods and people, boosting productivity across different sectors.
Kerugoya Ward MCA Erick Muchina supported the motion, highlighting that unplanned parking has not only affected traffic flow but also created serious security concerns.
He warned that disorganized parking systems can easily be exploited by criminals, particularly in congested areas where movement is restricted and visibility is poor.
Muchina said that when vehicles are parked in an unregulated manner, it becomes difficult to monitor activity, increasing the risk of theft, harassment, and other criminal activities targeting both residents and visitors.
He noted that improved organization of parking spaces would strengthen surveillance and enhance public safety in busy urban areas.
“When we have unplanned parking, even criminals can easily get in and take advantage of the situation, oppressing Kenyans, especially Kirinyaga motorists and visitors,” Muchina said.
Kariti Ward MCA Jeremiah Makimi also supported the reforms, but strongly criticized what he termed as punitive and unfair actions by county enforcement officers, especially in areas where proper signage is lacking.
He argued that motorists are often penalized without clear guidance, creating confusion and frustration among road users.
Makimi pointed out that enforcement without adequate infrastructure reflects gaps in planning and implementation by county authorities.
He said that traffic management should be guided by clear systems, not reactive enforcement that targets citizens operating in unclear conditions.
He further noted that poor coordination in parking management has had a ripple effect on pedestrians, who are often forced to walk in unsafe conditions due to vehicles occupying undesignated spaces.
“The lack of structured transport systems has turned daily movement into a chaotic experience, disproportionately affecting ordinary residents who rely on public infrastructure”, he said.
Makimi maintained that the proposed motion is not just about traffic regulation but about restoring order, ensuring fairness in enforcement, and introducing accountability in how urban transport systems are managed.
He said proper implementation would help rebuild public trust in county enforcement agencies.
Nominated MCA Harrison Bundi, while supporting the motion, emphasized the broader developmental impact of traffic inefficiencies on key sectors such as transport, education, and the local economy.
He noted that delays caused by congestion have made it difficult for students and teachers to reach schools on time, ultimately affecting learning outcomes and academic performance.
Bundi added that businesses also suffer losses due to delayed deliveries and reduced efficiency in the movement of goods and services.
He said that improving traffic flow would therefore have a direct positive impact on economic activity within the county by reducing time wastage and operational costs.
He also stressed the importance of inclusive urban planning, urging the county to ensure that persons with disabilities are not left behind.
He called for the designation and clear marking of parking spaces reserved for persons with disabilities, as well as improved pedestrian walkways to enhance safety and accessibility for all road users.
Bundi noted that modern urban planning must cater to everyone, not just motorists, and that inclusive infrastructure is key to building equitable and functional towns.
He said that improving walkways would also encourage safer pedestrian movement and reduce accidents involving vulnerable road users.
Following deliberations, the motion was passed under the guidance of the Deputy Speaker, with the County Assembly issuing firm directives to the county government to implement the proposed reforms within strict timelines.
Among the key resolutions is the development of a comprehensive traffic management framework designed to address long-standing challenges in urban mobility.
The Assembly directed that road systems be reorganized within 90 days to improve efficiency and reduce congestion. All parking areas are to be clearly marked to eliminate ambiguity and ensure motorists are fully aware of designated zones. The county government has also been instructed to strengthen collaboration with relevant national agencies to ensure coordinated implementation of traffic policies.
The county is required to communicate any changes to traffic routes within 14 days, ensuring that residents are adequately informed and can adjust accordingly.
This is expected to reduce confusion and improve compliance once new systems are introduced.
To reinforce accountability, the Assembly further directed that updated traffic management plans be submitted within 90 days.
The lawmakers said this would ensure that the reforms are not only implemented but also monitored for effectiveness and sustainability.
By David Wandeto
