Members of the National Assembly’s Transport and Infrastructure Committee have committed to advocating for fairer towing penalties and enhanced protections for motorists as they conclude their review of the Traffic (Amendment) Bill, 2026.
The committee, led by Ndia MP George Kariuki, convened at Bunge Tower, Nairobi, on August 4, 2026, to discuss and adopt their report on the proposed legislation.
Concerns Over Towing Charges and Motorist Rights
Lawmakers highlighted existing gaps within the Bill, particularly regarding law enforcement powers and vehicle owners’ rights. A significant issue raised was the high cost of towing detained vehicles.
- Bureti MP Komingoi Kibet suggested imposing a cap on towing fees to prevent exploitation by some police officers who may overcharge motorists.
- MPs also recommended that police officers be held accountable for the safety of vehicles and any valuables inside while in custody until related traffic cases are resolved.
Bill Aims and Progress
The Traffic (Amendment) Bill, 2026, seeks to amend the Traffic Act (Cap. 403) to protect vehicle owners from unreasonable deprivation of their property during traffic enforcement.
The committee has conducted extensive stakeholder consultations and plans to recommend the Bill for approval with amendments. They are currently finalizing Chapter Six of their report, which outlines proposed changes before formal adoption.
Having completed its First Reading in the National Assembly, the Bill is expected to advance to further debate stages once the committee finalizes its review.
Chairperson George Kariuki emphasized the committee’s objective to balance motorist protection against the need for effective traffic law enforcement that serves the public interest.
