Mombasa and NTSA partner to curb accidents ahead of festive season

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir has urged motorists to drive safely and observe the speed limit as Kenyans head into the festive period.

Speaking during the road safety campaign launch in Mombasa on Tuesday in collaboration with the NTSA, Abdulswamad praised the initiative for its potential to save lives and its unique approach of addressing speeding as a major risk factor.

“We continue to lose far too many lives on our roads due to speeding. I urge all drivers and road users within Mombasa and across the country, as we approach the festive season and celebrate with our families, to observe the set speed limits. Drive safe to arrive safe,” Abdulswamad said.

The county government of Mombasa, in conjunction with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), rolled out a mass media campaign dubbed “Slow Down, Speeding Ruins Lives,” in a bid to highlight the dangers of speeding and the importance of adhering to safe speed limits to protect and save lives.

According to NTSA, the campaign materials will be disseminated through TV, radio, and digital platforms in five languages and supported by digital billboards across Mombasa.

Police-led outreach at key traffic points will also engage drivers and encourage them to sign pledges for safer driving.

The NTSA also stated that a speeding campaign will be rolled out together with the National Police Service (NPS) in Mombasa, who have been training on safe speed implementation and best practices through the Global Road Safety Partnership (GRSP).

NTSA Director General George Njao reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to collaborating with the NPS in preventing road traffic crashes during the festive season.

“Speeding has claimed far too many lives. Observing safe speed limits is not just about following traffic laws; it’s about saving lives,” Njao said.

The Authority will enhance its collaboration with NPS and other stakeholders to sensitize, educate, and enforce safe speed limits during this festive season.

According to a 2023 report by the NTSA, over 4,000 lives are lost annually on Kenyan roads, with speeding identified as one of the leading risk factors.