By Michelle Ndaga
The Government of Kenya has concluded a highly productive inter-agency road safety conference at PrideInn, Mombasa, where stakeholders renewed their commitment to implementing the National Road Safety Action Plan (2024–2028).
The plan, which adopts the internationally recognised “Safe System” approach pioneered in countries like the Netherlands and Sweden, seeks to reduce road crashes and fatalities by addressing systemic weaknesses across the transport sector.
This year’s conference, themed “Inter-Agency Conversation and Dialogue for the Successful Implementation of the National Road Safety Action Plan 2024-2028,” brought together Chief Executive Officers and senior officials from both national and county governments, along with other key road safety actors.
Delegates engaged in robust discussions across several thematic areas. Plenary sessions examined vehicle safety standards and compliance, including hazardous goods transportation and the regulation of vehicle parts.
Another session focused on infrastructure safety and risk targeting, emphasising the development of safer roads, incorporation of non-motorised transport, road safety audits, and treatment of hazardous sections.
Participants also explored enforcement and education strategies targeting unsafe behaviours, including driver training, licensing, bodaboda safety interventions, and child safety programmes.
Critical discussions were held on the National Road Crash Data System, stakeholder roles in data management, and the use of performance indicators for monitoring and evaluation.
The conference concluded with a focus on post-crash response and services, highlighting the importance of rapid emergency care, rehabilitation, support for persons living with disabilities, and the role of insurance providers and county governments in strengthening response mechanisms.
Organisers hailed the conference as a milestone in aligning Kenya’s road safety efforts, stressing that only through coordinated multi-sectoral action can the country achieve its goal of reducing road traffic deaths and serious injuries.
