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Vice Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Transport, Eng Amb. M. Maalim, M.P
On Monday 17th of November, the Gertrude’s Hospital Foundation participated in a public stakeholder forum at the Panafric hotel. This breakfast forum was attended by members of different counties teachers’ associations, traffic police, parliamentarians and the media. The event was held to collect views from the public and also to collect more information on issues children deal with on the road daily. The issues raised will be included in the final report for recommendations into the bill.
Vice Chairman of the Committee on transport, Mohamed Maalim said he was happy with the initiative and said it was high time that measures are taken to protect children on our roads. “We as legislators are here today to hear your views and do everything possible to come up with amendments that will be of benefit to everyone”
The partnership involves Usalama Watch Initiative, ASIRT Kenya, Institute of Legislative Affairs and Handicap International to form a consortium to advocate for the amendment. The consortium has met with Parliamentarians and members of the Committee on transport to highlight the importance of these amendments. The Bill protects school children by:
- Lowering the speed limit on roads surrounding schools to 30km/h
- Installing traffic calming systems and safety features on these roads
- Introducing and enforcing statutory penalties for drivers exceeding the speed limit
- Ensuring that school transport vehicles conform to specified safety standards.
The Gertrude’s hospital Foundation is proud to be involved in this important milestone in our country because this will greatly reduce infant fatalities and injuries. Statistics from the traffic police show that almost 2,000 children die on our roads annually. This is a very high number that can be equated to two primary schools.
The bill has gone through the first and second readings in parliament with positive reactions. It will then be tabled for debate. If passed, it will be assented by the president and the amendments included into Kenyan law.
