Nominated Senator Crystal Asige has proposed the introduction of a monthly car-free day and free zones in each county to reduce the increased emissions from cars.
In the Wednesday, April 17 Order Paper, the Senator asked the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, the Council of Governors and the National Climate Change Council to push for the implementation of this policy.
Asige noted that she was concerned that the number of private vehicles has significantly grown leading to increased road accidents, carbon emissions and vehicle congestion.
According to the Senator, the cost of accidents, congestion, and emissions is estimated to be over Ksh100 billion annually, which is a significant burden on the economy.
"Noting that the National Climate Change Action Plan identifies transportation as the fourth largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, which if uncontrolled, will result in the negative impact of climate change with adverse effects to millions of Kenyans," she stated.
Asige emphasised that each Kenyan has a right to a clean and healthy environment as outlined in the Constitution.
She therefore asked the four government institutions to identify publicise and execute suitable monthly car-free days and county car-free zones in urban areas across the country.
Additionally, Asige asked the stakeholders in question to identify and develop county car-free zones in urban areas where infrastructure and activities are restricted to pedestrians alone.
"Provide affordable, safe and universally designed public transport access to and around these car-free zones, including but not limited to development of Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) in the urban areas," she added.
Also, she requested the parties to push for the design of inclusive mobility infrastructure that supports non-motorised transport facilities such as; pedestrian spaces, bicycle lanes and green spaces within the Central Business District in each county.
Conclusively, Asige urged the bodies to ensure inter-modal connectivity among the various transport nodes.
Asige's proposal is set to be discussed at the Senate today.
Notably, Kenya has been implementing several measures to reduce the effects of climate change such as the introduction of electric vehicles and planting trees.
