Kenyya can learn from Rwanda on Road Safety Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0

Kenya’s roads have become a graveyard for countless innocent lives. Every day, news reports bring the tragic stories of fatal accidents, often involving reckless driving, poorly maintained vehicles, or unsafe road conditions.

As the death toll rises, it is time for Kenya to confront the harsh reality: our road safety measures are failing. However, there is a neighboring country that offers a shining example of how to tackle this problem head-on—Rwanda.

Rwanda, once synonymous with conflict, has emerged as a leader in many areas, and road safety is one of them. While Kenya grapples with chaos on its highways and urban streets, Rwanda has managed to turn the tide, ensuring safer roads for its citizens.

So, what exactly can Kenya learn from Rwanda when it comes to reducing road accidents and improving road safety?

1. Strict Enforcement of Traffic Laws
One of Rwanda’s key success stories lies in the stringent enforcement of traffic laws. In Rwanda, there is no room for bribery or leniency when it comes to traffic violations. Whether you’re a motorist, a cyclist, or a pedestrian, the rules apply equally to everyone. The Rwandan traffic police are disciplined, effective, and uncompromising in enforcing the law.

In contrast, Kenya’s traffic enforcement is plagued by corruption and inefficiency. Too often, drivers who break the law can simply “pay their way out” of trouble, undermining the rule of law. Without strict enforcement, no amount of road safety campaigns or infrastructure improvements will make a significant difference. Kenya needs to clean up its traffic enforcement system and ensure that lawbreakers face real consequences.

2. Technology-Driven Solutions
Rwanda has embraced technology to improve road safety, with the introduction of automated traffic enforcement systems like speed cameras, which have drastically reduced the number of speeding-related accidents. Additionally, Rwanda’s use of CCTV cameras in urban areas allows for real-time monitoring of traffic and swift action when violations occur.

Kenya, on the other hand, has been slow to adopt similar systems. While there have been attempts to install speed cameras and surveillance in Nairobi, the initiatives have not been fully scaled, and enforcement is often inconsistent. If Kenya is serious about reducing road fatalities, it must invest in smart traffic management systems that allow for real-time data collection, monitoring, and enforcement.

3. Public Transport Regulation
In Rwanda, public transport is tightly regulated. Motorbike taxis, buses, and other public vehicles must adhere to strict safety standards, and drivers are required to complete thorough training before they are allowed to operate. There are also clear limits on the number of passengers allowed, and safety belts or helmets are mandatory. As a result, public transport in Rwanda is considerably safer than in most African countries.

In Kenya, however, the public transport sector, particularly the infamous matatu industry, operates with little regulation or oversight. Overloading, reckless driving, and poorly maintained vehicles are common issues.

Despite attempts to bring reforms, such as the Michuki rules, enforcement has been inconsistent, and accidents involving matatus continue to claim lives. Kenya must prioritize the regulation and reform of its public transport system, focusing on training, licensing, and regular vehicle inspections.

4. Pedestrian Safety and Road Design
Rwanda has made significant efforts to improve road design to protect pedestrians, who are often the most vulnerable road users. Well-marked pedestrian crossings, dedicated walkways, and strict penalties for drivers who endanger pedestrians have been key factors in reducing road accidents.

In Kenya, pedestrian safety is often an afterthought in road design. Many roads lack proper walkways, and pedestrian crossings are either poorly marked or ignored by drivers. This has led to a high number of pedestrian fatalities, particularly in urban areas like Nairobi. Investing in pedestrian-friendly infrastructure is essential if Kenya wants to reduce these needless deaths.

5. National Road Safety Campaigns and Awareness
In Rwanda, road safety campaigns are a regular feature, and they are not just passive messages on billboards. The Rwandan government, in partnership with local organizations, runs consistent, well-coordinated public awareness campaigns that target different road users. From drivers to pedestrians, everyone is educated on road safety protocols and the consequences of failing to follow them.

Kenya has sporadically launched road safety campaigns, often after major accidents, but these are short-lived and lack the sustained focus needed to change public behavior.

What Kenya can learn from Rwanda is that road safety awareness must be a continuous, nationwide effort that involves the government, the private sector, and civil society. Only by keeping the conversation going can we hope to instill a culture of responsible road use.

6. Leadership Commitment to Road Safety
Perhaps the most important lesson Kenya can learn from Rwanda is the commitment of its leadership to road safety. In Rwanda, there is a top-down approach to ensuring that the roads are safe for everyone. The government sets the tone, and there is political will to prioritize road safety as a key issue.

In Kenya, while leaders have occasionally spoken about road safety, the issue has not been given the attention it deserves. Road safety must become a national priority, and the government must demonstrate its commitment by putting in place comprehensive policies, securing funding for road safety initiatives, and holding relevant authorities accountable.

The Cost of Inaction
The longer Kenya delays taking decisive action on road safety, the more lives will be lost. The economic toll is also immense, with the World Health Organization estimating that road accidents cost Kenya approximately 5% of its GDP each year. But beyond the economic impact, there is a moral imperative to act. No family should have to bury a loved one due to preventable road accidents.

Time to Act Now
The road safety crisis in Kenya is an urgent problem that demands immediate attention. Rwanda has shown that it is possible to create safer roads through strict law enforcement, the use of technology, public transport regulation, pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, and continuous public awareness campaigns. Kenya can learn from these best practices and apply them to its own context.

By taking bold steps now, Kenya can reduce the tragic loss of life on its roads and create a safer, more efficient transportation system for all.