The National Assembly's Transport and Infrastructure Committee has proposed capping vehicle towing charges and holding police officers accountable for vehicles and valuables kept in their custody as lawmakers review the Traffic (Amendment) Bill, 2026.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

The committee, chaired by Naivasha MP George Kariuki, made the proposals during a meeting at Bunge Tower on Tuesday, August 4, where members considered and adopted the committee's report on the Bill ahead of its debate and adoption in the House.

Lawmakers said the proposed legislation still has gaps, particularly on the responsibilities of law enforcement officers and the rights of vehicle owners, and resolved to strengthen the Bill through further amendments.

A key issue raised by the committee was the cost of towing impounded vehicles, with MPs arguing that motorists are often subjected to excessive and inconsistent charges.

📌 What You Need to Know

Bureti MP Komingoi Kibet proposed introducing a legal cap on towing fees to protect motorists from exploitation.

"We can probably have a cap on towing rates. This decision should not be left entirely to the police officers on the ground, because some take advantage of the situation to overcharge motorists," Kibet said.

The committee also wants police officers to bear responsibility for the safety of vehicles detained under traffic laws, including any valuables locked inside them, until the matter is concluded.

The proposals by the MPs build on the Traffic (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which seeks to amend the Traffic Act (Cap. 403) by introducing clear timelines for how long police can detain vehicles and motorcycles.

Under the Bill, a vehicle may only be detained for use as evidence in court or to facilitate investigations into an offence.

Where a photograph or assessment report is sufficient as evidence, the Bill limits detention to a maximum of 48 hours from the time the vehicle is impounded.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke