Mombasa earns global praise for road safety, bags bronze in BIGRS speed challenge
The coastal city stood out for a set of targeted measures, including the strict enforcement of Kenya’s national speed limit, the construction of speed humps and raised pedestrian crossings near five schools.
Mombasa has received international acclaim after being awarded a bronze medal in the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety (BIGRS) speed challenge, which celebrates cities making significant progress in reducing road crashes through speed control interventions.
The coastal city stood out for a set of targeted measures, including the strict enforcement of Kenya’s national speed limit, the construction of speed humps and raised pedestrian crossings near five schools, and the launch of a wide-reaching media campaign aimed at sensitising motorists on the dangers of speeding.
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Road traffic crashes remain a leading cause of death globally, claiming more than 1.3 million lives every year, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
BIGRS coordinator Vipul Patel. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)
In Kenya, thousands of fatalities are recorded annually, with speeding and reckless driving identified as major contributors. Mombasa’s recognition, therefore, marks a notable step in the country’s ongoing fight against road carnage.
Eight cities were honoured under this year’s Speed Challenge, with Mombasa joining counterparts from South America, Asia, and Eastern Europe, highlighting its growing role as a pioneer in African road safety strategies.
“This recognition goes beyond a medal; it represents safer journeys for children walking to school, greater awareness among drivers about responsible speeds, and stronger communities that are no longer torn apart by preventable road crashes,” said Vipul Patel, Initiative Coordinator, BIGRS.
The award is expected to encourage county authorities to scale up interventions that not only save lives but also strengthen the city’s standing as a model for sustainable urban safety across the continent.
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