A large and diverse group of citizens on Monday attended a public participation event at Kisii County Hall to air their views on the proposed Railway Bill 2024.
The session was moderated by Antony Obel, the legal counsel for Kenya Railways, who emphasized the importance of public participation in shaping legislation.
Obel observed that involving the public was a constitutional mandate that ensured a bill aligns with the needs and preferences of the people.
The proposed Railways Bill 2024 represents a major shift in the operation of Kenya’s rail transport sector as explained by Obel.
He outlined that it aims at introducing an open access model that would revolutionize the railway industry by facilitating private sector investment.
Under this new framework, private individuals and businesses would be permitted to invest in the railway sector, construct new railway lines and operate their trains either on existing government owned infrastructure or on newly established private lines.
This model is designed to foster a collaborative approach between the public and private sectors, leading to increased efficiency and innovation.
“This bill is a transformative step away from the existing model where Kenya Railways is the sole operator and manager of the railway system. We are moving towards a public-private partnership model that will open up the railway sector to a wider range of investors and operators. This will not only enhance the quality of service but also spur economic growth,” Obel explained
The proposed changes are aimed at amending the Kenya Railways Act of 1978, which has been governing the sector. The bill seeks to modernize the legislative framework to better accommodate contemporary needs and technological advancements. It includes provisions for granting licenses to private operators, establishing regulatory frameworks for safety and efficiency and ensuring fair competition in the sector.
Obel noted that several forums have been organized to gather feedback and ensure that all voices are heard.
“We have made every effort to ensure that the public is well-informed about the bill and has ample opportunity to provide their input,” Obel said.
The bill has been made available for public review on the Ministry of Public Transport’s website as well as the Kenya Railways corporation website. This step is part of a broader effort to engage with citizens across the country.
The feedback collected from these public consultations will be incorporated into the final draft of the bill, which will then be submitted to Parliament through the office of the Attorney General for further legislative processing. This step is crucial in ensuring that the bill meets the highest standards of democratic scrutiny and accountability.
Kisii Central Deputy County Commissioner Johnson Maina Ngunyi who also spoke at the event praised the government’s efforts to modernize the railway sector.
He pointed out that amending the law is crucial for the country’s development, as it allows for the integration of modern practices and the growth of both public and private sectors.
Ngunyi addressed concerns raised by some participants about land compensation, assuring them that any land acquisitions resulting from the implementation of new railway projects would be handled promptly and fairly.
The participants, who ranged from local business owners to community leaders, expressed optimism about the bill’s potential impact.
Many voiced their hopes that once the bill becomes law, it will alleviate transportation challenges by providing more options for both passenger and freight transport.
There was a shared sense of anticipation in the room, with attendees eagerly awaiting the bill’s finalization and implementation, believing it could bring significant economic growth to the region and the country as a whole.
Those who were unable to attend the session but wish to provide their comments or feedback are advised to do so by writing to info@krc.co.ke. This will ensure that all interested parties have the opportunity to contribute to the shaping of this important legislation.
By Misheba Alfred
