Advocating for legislative change in Kenya
On 18 November, Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital Foundation held a public forum to discuss the content of a draft amendment to Kenya’s Traffic Bill. The foundation joins several civil society organizations, including Usalama Watch Initiative, Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital, and Handicap International, in advocating for legislative changes with funding through the Bloomberg Philanthropies Road Safety Grants Programme. They join other partners including ASIRT, ASIRT-Kenya, and the International Institute for Legislative Affairs.
This consultative forum represents another step forward in progressing changes to the National Traffic Bill which would significantly strengthen school transport safety standards, reduce speed around Kenyan schools, and implement further speed calming measures around the country.
The forum was an opportunity for the public to comment on draft legislation. The event hosted 120 participants from over 15 countries, including head teachers and representatives from the Matatu Owners Association and the boda boda industry. Representatives from the Ministries of Health and Labor, Kenya Traffic Police and National Transport & Safety Authority were also in attendance.
GRSP calls on the Kenyan Parliament to approve this amendment swiftly in an effort to reduce the growing number of deaths and injuries occurring on Kenyan roads as a result of road crashes.
