Mombasa Wins International Recognition in Global Road Safety Speed Challenge
Mombasa Governor Abddulswamad Sharif Nassir. (Photo/ Courtesy)
By Mbungu Harrison
Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com
Mombasa City has earned international acclaim after being awarded the Bronze Medal in the BIGRS Speed Challenge, a prestigious global initiative recognizing cities that are actively working to reduce road traffic injuries and fatalities through improved speed management.
The BIGRS (Bloomberg Initiative for Global Road Safety) Speed Challenge honors urban areas that demonstrate commitment to safer streets through evidence-based interventions, strategic enforcement, and public awareness.
Mombasa was one of only eight cities worldwide to receive an award in this year’s competition.
The coastal city was recognized for a series of impactful initiatives, including the enforcement of Kenya’s national speed limit, construction of speed humps and raised pedestrian crossings near five schools, and the launch of a city-wide media campaign focused on the dangers of speeding.
Speaking on the achievement,BIGRS communication Officer Kevin Ismael welcomed the recognition as a validation of the city’s commitment to saving lives on the road.
“This award is not just a win for Mombasa County; it is a win for every child who can now cross the road safely, every driver who understands the value of speed limits, and every family that has been spared the pain of losing a loved one to road crashes,” he said.
Speeding is a leading cause of road traffic injuries and fatalities globally, with low- and middle-income countries bearing the highest burden.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), speed contributes to nearly one-third of all fatal road crashes.
“Mombasa stood out because it combined enforcement, engineering, and education — the three Es of road safety — in a very strategic way,”said Ismael.
The raised pedestrian crossings near schools are already making a difference, especially for young learners who are among the most vulnerable road users,” said Musumba.
The city also ran a targeted public awareness campaign across radio, television, and social media, educating residents on the risks of speeding and the benefits of safer road behavior.
The campaign, dubbed “Tuendee Polepole” (Let’s Go Slow), featured testimonials from victims of road crashes and messages from local leaders urging compliance with speed limits.
Fatuma Ali, a parent of a student at one of the schools near which pedestrian safety measures were implemented, shared her appreciation:
“Before, it was terrifying letting my child walk to school. Cars would fly past without a care. Now, with the humps and zebra crossings, drivers are forced to slow down. It’s a huge relief.”
Looking forward, Mombasa officials say the recognition will inspire them to deepen their efforts. Plans are already underway to expand speed management measures to more schools, markets, and densely populated neighborhoods.
The BIGRS Speed Challenge is part of a broader global push to reduce road traffic deaths, which claim over 1.3 million lives annually, according to WHO.
Other recognized cities in this year’s challenge include urban centers from South America, Asia, and Eastern Europe — highlighting Mombasa’s emergence as a leader in African road safety innovation.
As Mombasa continues to grow as a regional transport hub, the city’s proactive steps toward safer roads offer a blueprint for other counties in Kenya and across the continent.
