The United Nations (UN) family in Kenya has marked the 2026 Road Safety Week, with renewed calls for collective responsibility among road users to reduce accidents and save lives.
The week-long campaign, running from May 8 to 14, 2026 under the theme “Safe Roads for All – Walking, Biking, Driving”, was organised by the Department of Safety and Security in partnership with the United Nations Office in Nairobi (UNON), the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF and UNHCR.
The initiative seeks to raise awareness on road safety, strengthen compliance with traffic regulations and promote behavioural change among United Nations personnel, government institutions, development partners and the public.
Speaking during the launch of a Multi-agency road safety walk in Nairobi, the UN Security Coordinator, Kenya, Bob Ngobi, said the campaign was aimed at reinforcing the importance of responsible road use and recognising victims of road traffic accidents.
He noted that road traffic injuries remain among the leading causes of death and disability globally, especially among young people and economically productive populations.
“The walk reaffirms our commitment to strengthening road safety within operations through compliance with internal policies on defensive driving, vehicle safety and staff awareness,” he said.
Ngobi urged all stakeholders, including pedestrians, cyclists and motorists, to take collective action in improving road safety outcomes across the country.
“Safe roads require safe behaviour. Whether walking, biking or driving, each of us has a responsibility to protect life. Turn your attention to accident prevention,” he said.
The campaign aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Target 3.6, which seeks to halve global deaths and injuries resulting from road traffic accidents. It also supports the objectives of the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021–2030.
The UNON Director General, Zainab Hawa Bangura, emphasized that road safety is a shared responsibility that requires coordinated action from all road users.
Bangura called on all UN staff members to adhere to safe driving practices and observe speed limits, while also encouraging the use of seat belts and protective gear, such as helmets for motorcyclists.
Staff were further urged to avoid distracted driving, including the use of mobile phones while on the road, and to practise pedestrian safety both within and outside UN premises.
The UNON leadership also encouraged staff to serve as ambassadors for road safety within their communities.
“Every decision we make on the road has the potential to save or cost a life,” Zainab said.
The organisers said the campaign highlights the need for stronger partnerships between institutions and communities in addressing road safety challenges, noting that behavioural change remains key in reducing road crashes and fatalities.
Participants in the walk reiterated the importance of observing traffic rules, maintaining vehicle safety standards and promoting awareness to create safer roads for all users.
By emphasizing prevention, the United Nations and its partners hope the campaign will contribute to reducing the human and economic burden caused by road accidents in Kenya and globally.
By Celestine Lomolijah and Doreen Kasung’wa
