The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has launched a campaign dubbed “Safari Salama” aimed at promoting road safety and mental health awareness among road users.
Speaking during the launch of the campaign in Homa Bay on Thursday, KeNHA Regional Director Eng. Julius Mak’Odero emphasised the need for the public to take responsibility for both their mental wellbeing and safety while using the roads.
“This initiative is part of our commitment to ensuring safe journeys and saving lives. Road safety goes beyond infrastructure, it involves addressing behavioural challenges and mental health issues that affect road users,” said Eng. Mak’Odero.
He noted that KeNHA is conducting road safety audits and identifying conflict zones and danger spots to enhance user safety. The authority is also incorporating features for non-motorised traffic, such as footpaths, service lanes and pedestrian crossings in its designs to protect pedestrians and cyclists.
“In Homa Bay, we are constructing a five-kilometre dual carriageway from Got Rabuor to Kona-Kodoyo, which will include two lanes on either side, pedestrian walkways, street lighting, and safe crossings. This is about ensuring physical safety for all road users,” he added.
The engineer reiterated that KeNHA intends to roll out the campaign across the country as part of its broader mission to ensure safe roads and promote the wellbeing of all Kenyans.
It brought together key stakeholders, including the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), Kenya Red Cross, Go Beyond Limited, the National Police Service and the boda boda community.
NTSA South Nyanza Regional Manager Adan Adow highlighted the growing concern over road accidents, noting that 4,748 fatalities were recorded in 2024, with between 10,000 and 12,000 people sustaining injuries.
“These figures could be higher because some cases go unreported. Over 80 percent of road crashes are caused by human error, not mechanical failure or poor road design. We must therefore change our mindset and take collective responsibility for road safety,” said Adow.
Kenya Red Cross County Coordinator Sanya Henry echoed the connection between mental health and road safety, saying one’s state of mind determines how quickly they respond to road situations.
“Stress, depression and intoxication impair judgment and decision-making, increasing the risk of accidents,” he said.
Go Beyond Limited Managing Director Damaryce Mbira also called for a mindset shift among road users, adding that mindset shift and behavioural change are directly linked to mental wellness.
She said her organisation is partnering with various stakeholders through communication and public engagement strategies to promote behavioural change.
“Through Safe Mind, Safe Spaces project, we are promoting Safari Salama for mental wellness as a foundation for safer roads,” Mbira explained.
The event, held in commemoration of World Mental Health Day slated for October 10, called on Kenyans to pay closer attention to their mental wellbeing as a key factor in reducing road accidents.
By Sitna Omar
