Mombasa drivers, pedestrians express relief over installation of traffic lights at Saba Saba

After years of battling confusion, gridlock, and frequent accidents, pedestrians and motorists navigating the notorious Saba Saba junction in Mombasa County can finally breathe a sigh of relief.

The installation of new traffic lights at the busy intersection has brought renewed hope for safer, faster, and more orderly movement on one of the city’s most congested roads.

The junction, a critical link between the Central Business District (CBD), Ronald Ngala Road towards Nyali Bridge, and Jomo Kenyatta Avenue, has long been a nightmare for road users.

With no functioning traffic lights for months, vehicles often jostled for space while pedestrians dashed through moving traffic, risking their lives daily.

For many, the new lights mark a turning point. “Crossing the road here used to be a gamble. Now there’s a sense of order. I feel much safer, and the flow of traffic already looks more organised,” said Issa Ahmad, a regular pedestrian in the area

Motorists share the same sentiment, noting that endless jams and reckless manoeuvres are now likely to ease. “It is a huge relief. We waste so much time stuck here every day. With the lights back on, the chaos will hopefully end,” said John Mwangi, a matatu driver plying the route.

Even local businesses say they are beginning to feel the positive impact. “We are already seeing more foot traffic. Now, with the traffic lights in place, people are moving more smoothly,” said Ann, who runs a kiosk near the junction.

County officials say the decision to restore the signals was part of a wider plan to improve road safety and reduce collisions across Mombasa.

The County Chief Officer for Transport and Infrastructure, Engineer Ali Shariff, urged all road users to cooperate.

“The county has played its part by installing the lights. Now, motorists and pedestrians must observe the rules. It might take time to adjust, but compliance is the only way to maintain order,” he said.

He further revealed that similar upgrades would soon begin at the Buxton junction as part of a broader effort to streamline traffic flow.

Traffic authorities have also warned that anyone flouting the new signals will face consequences.

“We expect everyone to obey the lights. Those who fail to comply will be arrested and prosecuted,” said George Kashmir, Coast Regional Traffic Enforcement Officer.

He added, "This system will also make our work more efficient, as officers will no longer need to manually control traffic.”

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The renewed focus on traffic control comes amid growing safety concerns.

According to the 2023 Mombasa Road Safety Report, compiled by the County Government and Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety (BIGRS), road fatalities jumped by 36 per cent from 69 in 2022 to 94 in 2023. Serious injuries also rose by 17 per cent.

Alarmingly, vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists, accounted for 92 per cent of those deaths, with pedestrians alone representing over half.

Mombasa residents hope the return of traffic lights at Saba Saba will usher safer streets and a more predictable daily commute where crossing the road or driving through the junction is no longer a dangerous gamble.