Road safety campaign targets PSV drivers, others

With the festive season here, several entities are collaborating to curb road crashes in the Coast region.

The campaign is a collaboration between the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), the Mombasa county government, the National Police Service, and Bloomberg Philanthropies.

Launched at the Caltex area in Likoni, it aims to tackle reckless driving and reduce deaths, especially along high-risk highways like the Kilifi-Malindi, Likoni-Ukunda-Lunga Lunga routes.

The initiative was urgent, said NTSA deputy Coast regional manager John Parteroi, who added 4,282 people have died in road crashes so far this year. Over 1,600 of themwere pedestrians.

“The Kilifi-Malindi highway has become a major concern,” Parteroi said. He warned motorists against speeding and drink-driving, behaviours that spike during the December holiday rush.

Chasing profits
During the event, drivers of public service vehicles pledged to drive safely, signing a declaration to “slow down and not endanger myself, my passengers, or others on the road”.

“We’re urging you to avoid chasing profits by overloading trips or driving while fatigued. These actions only lead to crashes and tragic losses,” Parteroi cautioned.

Besides addressing PSV drivers, Parteroi emphasised the importance of upholding discipline. He reminded motorists to get adequate rest, avoid drug and alcohol use, and obey speed limits.

“We’re here to remind you of basic safety measures – things you already know but often ignore. These are the behaviours that cost lives and leave families shattered,” he said.
Behaviour change

The NTSA has deployed informers across the country to monitor compliance, warning that traffic offenders will face legal action.

“We want everyone to understand the law and commit to staying safe on our roads. Ignorance will not be an excuse,” Parteroi stated.

Behaviour change among drivers is critical in preventing road deaths, said Vipul Patel, the coordinator for the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety in Mombasa.

“Speed kills. Slow down and save lives. Stop tampering with speed governors in the name of rushing,” Patel urged.

Road crashes disproportionately affect young, economically active individuals, posing severe social and economic challenges, he added.

The campaign also brought to light frustrations among PSV operators, who accused private-vehicle drivers of infiltrating their business without the appropriate licences.

“Private cars, especially Probox vehicles, overload passengers but are rarely targeted by police. They’ve taken over routes like Likoni to Ukunda and beyond, hurting our business,” said Amani Ndoro Muzirwa, a PSV operator.