Mombasa County has launched its Second Speeding Campaign alongside the 2024 Mombasa Road Safety Report in a coordinated push to curb road accidents during the festive season.
The event was held at the Governor’s Office and brought together the County officials, National government agencies, road sector stakeholders, public transport operators and law enforcement representatives.
Speaking during the launch, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Transport, Infrastructure and Governance, Daniel Manyala, said the campaign is aimed at inspiring safer behaviour among all road users at a time when travel and festive activities traditionally surge.
“Road safety and accident prevention fall under my department. Today we officially launched a mass media campaign whose main aim is to inspire our people to be cautious and follow road rules,” said Manyala.
“From 2019 to 2024, we have lost over 200 lives on our roads: parents, students, mothers, doctors, and youth. These were important people in our community. We must ensure our roads are safe. Those who break the law will be held responsible,” said the CECM.
He emphasised that the County is working collaboratively with the National Police Service, engineers, road contractors and development partners to address road safety comprehensively during the festive period, which has already seen an influx of visitors to Mombasa.
Coast Regional Traffic Police Commander George Kashimiri said authorities have increased traffic police presence and intensified enforcement.
“We have put signage indicating a 50 km/h limit in the CBD. If you exceed it, you’ll be arrested. This applies to all vehicles,” he said.
“With more visitors coming in, we have deployed additional officers. Where traffic lights operate, we have reassigned police to areas without lights. We have enough personnel to cover Mombasa. We have also begun using the Alco-blow and will continue through the festive season,” he added.
Chief Officer for Transport and Traffic Management, Eng. Ali Sharif, said the County has strengthened coordination between County and National Traffic Units and increased security presence on key roads.
“Being a tourist city, we expect many visitors. We have enhanced cooperation between the County and National Traffic teams. We urge motorists to obey traffic lights and maintain order,” he said.
“Let us keep our speed below 50 km/h within the CBD. Failure to follow these rules causes accidents and inconvenience to others. NTSA should come-up with new strategies because many drivers disconnect speed governors and over speed. Many matatus also lack County registration stickers.” he added.
NTSA officer, Douglas Nyagwoka, revealed that enforcement is already underway, stating that last week, 23 Tahmeed Bus drivers were suspended for speeding, and their speed governors helped track them.
“This campaign will be of great help. Vehicles without speed governors have a higher crash impact. We are also working with the traffic police to address over speeding in Dongo Kundu.”
Matatu Owners Association Chair, Salim Bates, appealed to public service vehicle operators to exercise caution and urged regulators to tighten oversight.
“We emphasise to our matatu people to be more careful. Vehicles should not be issued temporary Transport Licensing Board (TLB) licenses if drivers don’t know the routes,” he said.
The public was urged to reflect on their own driving habits and become ambassadors of road safety.
By Hassan Bahati
