Kenyans urged to share views on the Railways Bill

By Peter Ochieng

Kenyans have been urged to share their views on the Railways Bill, with a pledge that they will be incorporated when the public participation exercise ends in two weeks’ time.

The Bill, seeks to among others, establish the Railway Regulatory Authority (RRA).

If the Bill sails through, the Authority shall advise and make recommendations to the Cabinet Secretary on matters relating to railway technical and safety regulation, advise and make recommendations to the Cabinet Secretary on economic regulation, including tariffs for railway services and register, and licence train operators and infrastructure managers.

It will also promote investment in rail equipment, infrastructure and service, implement policies relating to railway safety, security and economic regulation, ensure the provision of safe, reliable and efficient rail transport services, conduct inspections and certification on rolling stock, communication and signalling systems and appoint inspectors among other roles.

Addressing the press after a public participation exercise at the Mama Grace Onyango Social Hall, in Kisumu on Tuesday afternoon, Wendy Maina said they are reviewing the Bill that has been in existence since the 70’s to improve on service delivery.

She is the Senior Assistant Director, Road and Rail department, Ministry of Roads and Transport.

“The Bill seeks to separate the function of regulation from Kenya Railways to have accident investigation, and also be able to have private investors coming on board,” she said.

Some of the Kisumu residents who showed up for the public participation exercise called for sealing corruption loopholes and giving young Kenyan engineers a chance to build and manage Kenya's railway line, instead of depending on foreigners, such as the Chinese.

The public participation exercise is expected to end on September 13, 2024, in Nairobi, Machakos, Kiambu and Kajiado Counties.

Between August 28 and September 11, Kenya Railways teams will be in Busia, Bungoma, Bungoma, Trans Nzoia, West Pokot, Turkana, Uasin Gishu, Nandi, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nakuru, Kericho, Baringo, Garissa, Wajir, Mandera and Marsabit for the exercise.

The exercise has already been conducted in several counties, among them Kitui, Makueni, Bomet, Nyamira, Taita Taveta, Tharaka Nithi, Isiolo and Embu.

Written memorandum can be submitted via email, through railbill@krc.co.ke or railwaybill2024@transport.go.ke. 

Download the bill here: https://krc.co.ke/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-Railways-Bill.pdf