Kenya is working to strengthen road safety frameworks by implementing strict use of quality helmets, a move geared towards reducing fatalities among vulnerable road users.
State Department for Roads Principal Secretary (PS), Eng. Joseph Mbugua, held a strategic discussion with Consultant Pierre Castaing, a member of the Experts Committee of the French Road Safety Council, on the sidelines of the Working Party on General Safety Provisions (GRSG WP.29), Sessions in Geneva, focusing on safety helmets through the lens of Rwanda’s successful implementation model.
This engagement underscored how the subject of helmets can serve as a practical demonstration of the real-world impact of WP.29 in Africa.
Eng. Mbugua said that Rwanda’s experience shows that when WP.29 standards are domesticated and enforced, especially those related to protective gear such as motorcycle helmets, countries can achieve measurable reductions in injuries and deaths.
The PS explained that Rwanda’s coordinated approach includes compliance with UN Regulations, public awareness campaigns and strict enforcement.
“Kenya faces similar challenges with motorcycle (boda boda) safety, where head injuries remain a leading cause of severe trauma and fatalities,” he said.
The PS said that by leveraging lessons from Rwanda and aligning more closely with WP.29: Helmet quality can be standardised and reduce the circulation of substandard products.
“Road safety outcomes can improve, especially for boda boda riders and passengers, regulatory enforcement can be strengthened while supporting NTSA and KEBS.
He added that regional harmonisation within the East African Community can be accelerated and Kenya’s automotive sector can better align with global safety benchmarks, supporting Vision 2030 and the National Road Safety Action Plan.
The discussion highlighted that WP.29 is not just a technical forum, it is a catalyst for saving lives through its regulations, capacity-building initiatives and global best practices.
The PS said that Kenya’s engagement at the GRSG sessions signals its commitment to applying these global standards to local realities, ultimately protecting lives and strengthening the country’s road safety ecosystem.
By Joseph Ng’ang’a
