MOMBASA, Kenya – The County Government of Mombasa has joined forces with Bloomberg Philanthropies, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), and the National Police Service to strengthen efforts in promoting road safety across the coastal city.
Speaking during a joint briefing with stakeholders, County Executive Committee Member for Transport and Infrastructure Dan Manyala lauded the partnership, noting that it has positioned Mombasa as a global example in urban road safety initiatives.
“The collaboration has made Mombasa known worldwide. We are committed to maintaining and advancing the gains we’ve achieved,” said Manyala.
He revealed that the county government has developed several road safety policies currently under review by the County Assembly. Once approved, the new regulations will address lingering challenges in pedestrian and cyclist safety.
Among the key ongoing projects is the construction of a dedicated cyclist lane along Nyali Links Road, a joint effort by Bloomberg Philanthropies, KURA, and the Mombasa County Government. The initiative aims to reduce accidents involving cyclists who often share lanes with motor vehicles.
Manyala emphasized that the county is also tackling issues related to infrastructure damage by utility companies.
“We license service providers like fiber cable and water companies with the expectation they will restore roads to the original standard after their works. Unfortunately, this is not happening. A new policy will soon introduce a single duct system for all service providers to use, ensuring better coordination and less damage,” he explained.
However, pedestrian walkways remain congested due to hawkers encroaching on designated footpaths, forcing pedestrians and motorists to compete for road space.
Chief Officer for Transport and Infrastructure Ali Sharif highlighted that the county has successfully restored traffic lights that had been non-functional for over a decade.
“The restored traffic lights will reduce the manpower needed at major junctions and improve traffic flow,” Sharif said, adding that CCTV cameras have been installed at key intersections to monitor compliance and enable instant fines for traffic offenders.
Representing KURA, Abdulhakeem Makarani urged the county to tighten its business licensing processes to prevent traders from operating illegally on road reserves and pedestrian walkways.
“The county needs to be firm on this issue. You can’t license someone whose business is operating on a road reserve. It undermines order and safety,” he cautioned.
Meanwhile, traffic police officers called on the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) to erect speed limit signs along the busy Kibarani Causeway and Makupa–Mikindani stretch, areas notorious for overspeeding and accidents.
“We have the equipment to enforce traffic laws, but without visible speed limit signage, our hands are tied. Data shows motorists hitting speeds of up to 140 km/h on this stretch,” a police representative stated.
The stakeholders collectively urged motorists and pedestrians to adhere to road safety measures as the festive season approaches, warning that negligence and speeding remain major contributors to road fatalities.
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