On April 17, 2024, Kenya’s National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) unveiled the ambitious National Road Safety Action Plan 2024–2028, aiming to halve road fatalities and serious injuries by 2028. The plan outlined comprehensive strategies, including infrastructure improvements, stakeholders inclusivity, stricter enforcement, public awareness campaigns, and enhanced post-crash care services .
Despite the urgency, implementation has been sluggish. By June 2024, NTSA Director General George Njao emphasized the need to move beyond discussions to action, stating, “We are done with boardroom meetings; it’s time to act” . However, tangible progress remains limited.
Key Challenges Hindering Progress:
- Funding Shortfalls: The plan’s success hinges on adequate financing. Yet, reports indicate that road safety initiatives suffer from poor funding, impeding the implementation of critical measures .
- Delayed Enforcement Measures: President Ruto directed the expedited rollout of road instant fines within 90 days, deeming the initial timeline too lengthy . However, the enforcement of such measures has not met the accelerated expectations.
- Coordination Gaps: Effective implementation requires seamless collaboration among various agencies. Yet, there have been noted disconnects between NTSA and the National Police Service, hindering cohesive enforcement efforts .
The Human and Economic Toll:
Kenya continues to grapple with high road accident rates, with over 3,500 fatalities and more than 20,000 serious injuries annually . The economic impact is staggering, with road carnage costing the economy approximately Sh450 billion each year.
Moving Forward:
For the National Road Safety Action Plan to achieve its objectives, immediate and coordinated action is imperative. This includes securing sustainable funding, enforcing traffic regulations promptly, and fostering collaboration among all stakeholders. Without these measures, the goal of reducing road fatalities by 50% by 2028 remains elusive.
