According to the World Health Organisation, every year, an estimated 28.2 Kenyans per 100,000 people lose their lives to road crashes—one of the highest rates in Africa. Behind these statistics lie stories of lost potential, families devastated, and communities burdened by grief and economic strain. Road traffic injuries (RTIs) are not just numbers; they represent a growing public health crisis that affects every sector of society.
It was against this sobering backdrop that the Institute of Healthcare Management (IHM) at Strathmore Business School (SBS) convened a landmark dissemination workshop on 10th November 2025 at the Transcentury Auditorium. The event, held under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety (BIGRS), unveiled the findings of a Baseline Indicator Survey on Seat Belt and Child Restraint Usage in Kenya. The research aimed to shed light on compliance levels and provide actionable insights to improve road safety outcomes nationwide.
In his opening remarks, Prof. Gilbert Kokwaro, the Director of the Institute of Healthcare Management, urged stakeholders to view road safety not merely as a transport issue but as a public health and economic concern. “Every crash has a ripple effect—from emergency care and rehabilitation costs to the long-term emotional and financial toll on families and communities,” he said. “By improving seat belt and child restraint use, we’re not only preventing injuries but also protecting lives, reducing healthcare burdens, and strengthening national productivity.”
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) director, Dr. Andrew Kiplagat echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that road safety must be seen as a shared responsibility. He pointed to Kenya’s persistently high crash fatality rates and noted that compliance with occupant protection laws remains worryingly low. “Only 37.2% of drivers, were observed wearing seat belts,” he said, referencing the findings of the baseline survey. “Such figures compel us to look beyond enforcement — we must engage culture, design, and awareness. Safety begins with each of us taking personal responsibility every time we get on the road.”
The Baseline Indicator Survey, conducted across nine counties — Nairobi, Nakuru, Kericho, Kakamega, Busia, Meru, Migori, Kilifi, and Garissa — revealed that while Kenya’s road infrastructure has expanded rapidly, behavioural and systemic challenges persist. Child Restraint System (CRS) usage remains critically low, often due to affordability barriers and misconceptions that children are safer when held on an adult’s lap. The research team observed more than 14,000 vehicles, collecting data in accordance with World Health Organization standards to ensure accuracy and reliability. The findings point to an urgent need for targeted education, better enforcement, and product standardization to enhance safety for all road users.
Thereafter, a lively panel discussion brought together experts and representatives from KURA, KeNHA, KeRRA, NTSA, Vision Spring, ASIRT, Law enforcement and the Matatu Welfare Association to deliberate on the theme “Enhancing Compliance of Seat Belt and Child Restraint System (CRS) Use in Kenya.” The discussion underscored the importance of building a culture of responsibility — one where safety becomes second nature rather than an afterthought.
Panellists stressed that no vehicle lacking functional seat belts should be on the road, and that everyone must take personal responsibility for their safety. They called for standardization of safety equipment, ensuring that all seat belts and CRS devices meet approved safety standards, and proposed empowering children to participate in safety campaigns to help shift long-term attitudes.
The panel also delved into the relationship between seat belt use and the severity of injuries, noting that proper seat belt and CRS use drastically reduces fatalities and hospitalizations. Participants applauded ongoing sensitization campaigns but emphasized that a deeper cultural understanding is needed to overcome behavioural resistance to seat belt use. They recommended driver health assessments, including eyesight, hearing, and mental wellness checks, to ensure drivers remain fit for the road, and proposed heightened awareness efforts during festive seasons, when more children travel and road risks increase.
As the panel discussion ended, a joint commitment was made, to work collaboratively in the lead-up to the December festive season, a period often marked by heightened travel and increased road crashes. Representatives from government agencies, private sector partners, and road user associations pledged to intensify sensitization campaigns, enhance enforcement of seat belt and CRS use, and mobilize communities to embrace safe road practices – coining the campaign #collabo.
In closing, Prof. Kokwaro reiterated Strathmore Business School’s commitment to translating data into meaningful policy and public awareness. “At Strathmore, we believe that road safety begins with evidence — but it must be sustained by leadership, compassion, and accountability,” he said. “Through partnerships like BIGRS, we are shaping a safer, more responsible mobility culture for Kenya.”
As the nation advances its Kenya National Road Safety Action Plan (2024–2028), the BIGRS dissemination workshop stands as a timely reminder that change begins with data and dialogue. By fastening a seat belt or securing a child in a restraint, each Kenyan plays a role in preventing tragedy and preserving the promise of safer journeys for all.
Article by: Judith A. Amolo
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