The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has launched a partnership with seven counties along the Northern Corridor to enhance road safety and public transport management. The counties involved in the initiative include Nakuru, Kakamega, Kericho, Kisumu, Makueni, Nairobi, and Siaya.
The initiative aims to establish transport and safety committees in each county, focusing on improved road infrastructure, pedestrian walkways, and non-motorized transport facilities. NTSA Director General George Njau highlighted the importance of county involvement in tackling road safety challenges during a meeting in Naivasha with officials from the participating counties.
“This initiative underscores NTSA’s commitment to fostering strong partnerships with county administrations to tackle the various factors contributing to road user and pedestrian fatalities,” Njau stated.
Unlike traditional enforcement-based approaches, NTSA’s strategy prioritizes proactive engagement, awareness campaigns, and information dissemination to reduce fatalities. Njau stressed that integrating road safety measures into County Development Plans would ensure long-term sustainability and effectiveness.
Pedestrians and boda boda riders remain the most vulnerable road users, with NTSA data indicating that out of the over 4,000 lives lost in road crashes between January and December 2024, at least 1,600 were pedestrians. To address this, Njau urged counties to improve pedestrian infrastructure, install clear road markings, and enhance signage.
Nairobi County Transport CEC Ibrahim Auma welcomed the partnership, noting that it would help address critical factors contributing to road fatalities. He emphasized the county’s ongoing efforts to register boda boda operators and their Saccos to promote discipline and enhance road safety. Additionally, Nairobi County is investing in constructing safe pedestrian passageways to further reduce accidents.
Kericho County Commissioner Gilbert Kitiyo echoed similar sentiments, pointing out that over 70 percent of road users are in rural areas and play a crucial role in improving road safety. He highlighted the role of National Government Administrative Officers in crafting road safety messages in multiple languages to ensure all road users understand essential traffic regulations.
The collaboration between NTSA and county governments is expected to strengthen road safety measures and reduce accident-related deaths significantly. With increased county-level involvement and a focus on infrastructure improvements, the initiative aims to create safer roads for all Kenyans, ultimately saving lives and improving transport systems across the country.
