Kenya embarks on helmet safety push as boda boda deaths rise

Kenya has stepped up efforts to address the rising number of road fatalities involving boda boda riders by launching a multi-country safety campaign aimed at promoting the use of certified helmets and rider training.

The initiative, launched under the Safe African Helmets Initiative (SAHI), brings together nine African countries in a renewed commitment to reduce motorcycle-related deaths.

The program, spearheaded by FIA Foundation and hosted by UK-based NGO TransAid in collaboration with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), is part of a broader Helmet-Wearing Coalition focused on improving road safety across the continent.

“We’re expanding from five to nine countries today, and Kenya is hosting this critical meeting,” said Sam Clark, Head of Programs at TransAid.

“Our research shows helmet usage among passengers is as low as 15% in Nairobi, while motorcycle crashes remain the leading cause of head injuries. Getting quality helmets on heads is the most direct way to save lives” added Clark

The campaign follows last year’s publication of A Fair Price, a research report that underscored the public health cost of boda boda crashes. TransAid's findings prompted the formation of a national helmet coalition in Kenya, involving SACCOs, NGOs, and rider associations to drive change.

NTSA Director General George Njao acknowledged the urgency, citing statistics that show motorcycles now account for 35% of road traffic deaths in Kenya.

“We are tackling this with a multi-pronged approach — from subsidizing rider training with partners like the National Youth Service, to working with KEBS on establishing a local helmet testing lab,” he said.

The lab, expected to launch this July, will ensure helmets sold or imported into Kenya meet international safety standards.

“We’ve had cases where helmets are worn, but injuries still occur because of poor quality. This lab will help eliminate substandard products from our roads,” Njao added.

However, enforcement remains a challenge. Njao noted that while Kenya has sufficient laws, implementation is weak.

“It’s not just about policing, but about building a culture of safety. Riders need to make helmets and reflective gear part of their daily routine.”

Rider associations welcomed the move. Elly Kegode, CEO of Kenya Riders and Owners Boda Boda SACCO, emphasized the role of SACCOs in instilling discipline among riders.

 “When youth are organized into SACCOs, they find structure, job opportunities, and access to training,” he said. “We’ve seen success in places like Laikipia and Migori, and we want to scale that up.”

The NTSA is also intensifying road safety education targeting both riders and pedestrians. Reckless behavior, lack of courtesy, speeding, and poor infrastructure have been cited as key contributors to rising accident rates.

As the SAHI campaign gains momentum, stakeholders are urging the government to attach firm timelines to the National Road Safety Action Plan and ensure full implementation. “Lives are being lost daily. We cannot wait any longer,” Clark stressed.