President William Ruto’s senior adviser on constitutional affairs, Pro Makau Mutua, has ignited fresh debate over urban transport after calling for the removal of tuk-tuks from major roads and highways.
According to Mutua, the three-wheeled vehicles are unsuitable for high-speed traffic and diminish the appearance of cities.
In a statement, he questioned why tuk-tuks continue to operate on major roads, saying they create unnecessary traffic disruptions and should instead be restricted from the major transport corridors.
“Why do we have tuk-tuks on major roads and highways, even in Nairobi? We shouldn’t. These pathetic contraptions aren’t roadworthy,” Mutua wrote.
“They obstruct traffic, are completely unsightly, and degrade our capital city. Please remove them from our major roads in cities and towns”, he added.
The remarks have sparked widespread discussions, with his backers arguing that restricting slow-moving vehicles from highways could improve traffic flow and enhance road safety.
However, others contend that tuk-tuks play an important role in Kenya’s transport system by providing affordable mobility and employment to thousands of operators, particularly in urban and peri-urban areas.
