Mombasa on Sunday joined the rest of the world in commemorating the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, with county officials and transport stakeholders issuing strong calls for responsible road use ahead of the festive season.
Speaking during the event, leaders emphasized the need for discipline on the roads, stricter enforcement measures, and collective responsibility in reducing accidents that continue to claim thousands of lives each year.
County Chief Fire Officer Ibrahim Basafar, who represented the Mombasa County Executive for Transport, said more than 4,500 people have died on Kenyan roads this year alone, warning that enforcement will be intensified in the coming weeks.
“We are here because we are remembering the traffic victims. Before the year ends, 4,500 lives have already been lost. If we remember them, then we must act so that our loved ones do not become part of next year’s statistics,” he said.
Basafar cautioned motorists against ignoring traffic lights, driving under the influence, and recklessness, noting that the county will roll out alco-blow operations, speed cameras, and a crackdown on unroadworthy vehicles.
“This is a strong notice from the Mombasa County Government. We will not joke around this festive season,” he said, adding that police, NTSA, public service operators, health teams, tuk-tuk and matatu representatives were all working together to ensure safety.
NTSA Coast Regional Manager Naisiae Sankan highlighted the theme of the day, “Remember, Act and Support,” urging Kenyans to take personal responsibility for road safety.
“If each of us took the initiative to ensure we are safe, we would make all our roads safer,” she said, advising pedestrians to use designated crossings and avoid distractions, passengers to speak up against speeding, and boda boda users to wear helmets and reflective jackets.
She added that enforcement will intensify during the holiday season due to increased traffic in Mombasa, with NTSA, police, and public service operators coordinating to ensure compliance.
Sankan also emphasized that long-distance buses are required to have two drivers to minimise fatigue-related crashes.
Kevin Ismail, the communications coordinator for the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety, said the organisation continues to work with the county and NTSA to promote safer roads.
“We encourage drivers, boda boda riders, and tuk-tuk operators to be careful and ensure every life is protected, especially during the festive season,” he said.
St. John’s Ambulance Coast Regional Chairman Joshua Kenga said the organisation remains committed to supporting emergency response efforts across the region.
“We want to ensure that this season, if possible, we have zero accidents in the Coast region. Accidents don’t just happen; they are caused,” he said, urging communities to stay alert and observe caution.
He added that St. John’s continues to coordinate closely with county agencies to strengthen emergency response and protect road users.
The event brought together county officials, NTSA, police, matatu and tuktuk operators, health workers, and first responders, who all reaffirmed their commitment to reducing road crashes and saving lives.
Ali Salim Bates, the national vice chairman of the Matatu Association of Kenya, urged public transport operators to prioritise safety. He called on matatu owners and crews to adhere to regulations, obtain valid government permits, and maintain discipline on the roads.
“I am happy for this peaceful procession, and I thank Caroline and the other organisers. My message to the matatu sector is safety. Ensure you are disciplined on the road, vehicles have valid documents, and crews are properly licensed,” he said.