Pedestrians and Boda Boda Riders Most Affected as Road Crashes Surge During Festive Season

MOMBASA, Kenya – Road fatalities in the country have reached alarming levels, with pedestrians and boda boda riders bearing the brunt, according to a new report by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA).

By November 2024, more than 4,282 lives had been lost in road crashes, marking a sharp increase compared to the same period last year.

The NTSA report revealed that pedestrians accounted for the highest number of fatalities, with 1,600 deaths, followed by 900 boda boda riders.

These figures underline the growing risks faced by vulnerable road users, especially during the festive season when road traffic intensifies.

During the launch of a road safety awareness campaign in Mombasa, NTSA Deputy General Manager for the Coast Region, John Parteroi, called for greater vigilance among road users.

The campaign, which kicked off on December 10, 2024, is aimed at promoting safety through education and enforcement, particularly targeting pedestrians, motorcyclists, and drivers of passenger service vehicles (PSVs).

The NTSA has partnered with the National Police Service, Bloomberg Philanthropies for Global Road Safety (BIGRS), and the Mombasa County Government to address the crisis.

The campaign emphasizes compliance with traffic regulations, including speed limits, safe driving practices, and the use of protective gear for boda boda riders.

Parteroi highlighted the risks associated with speeding on high-risk highways, citing the Kilifi-Malindi road near Kijipwa as a particularly hazardous stretch.

He also urged pedestrians to use designated footbridges to avoid accidents.

“Boda boda riders must take responsibility by adhering to traffic rules, avoiding reckless behavior, and ensuring they wear reflector jackets and helmets, especially at night,” Parteroi said.

To curb speeding, NTSA has deployed advanced technological devices to monitor major roads.

Passenger service vehicles have also been reminded to adhere to capacity regulations, with matatus and minibuses only permitted to carry between nine and 14 passengers.

Additionally, private motorists have been warned against engaging in unauthorized commercial transportation of passengers.

Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Vipul Patel stressed the need for sustained public sensitization on road safety, noting that speeding remains a global challenge.

“Speeding increases both the risk of crashes and the severity of injuries when they occur. We must all take responsibility to ensure safer roads,” he said.

As the December festivities continue, NTSA urges all road users to prioritize safety.

Families have been devastated by the loss of breadwinners in avoidable crashes, highlighting the urgency of the campaign.

“Speeding kills,” Patel reiterated. “Let us spread the word and remind our loved ones to follow traffic rules. Together, we can save lives.”