Slow Down or Face Consequences Campaign Launched with Crackdown in Festive-Season

By Mbungu Harrison

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

Mombasa County has launched a robust festive-season road-safety campaign warning motorists that speeding will attract strict enforcement and stiff penalties.

The campaign dubbed , ‘Slow Down or Face the Consequences’ comes amid a worrying rise in speed-related crashes in Mombasa and its environs.

Players say the campaign launched on Thursday December 11, 2025 is designed to keep roads safer during what is traditionally one of the highest-risk travel periods of the year.

The campaign, led jointly by the county government and national traffic authorities, will see intensified operations along Mombasa’s most dangerous corridors.

Traffic inspectors will deploy newly acquired speed radar devices, popularly known as speed guns, to capture overspending vehicles and ensure ensure stronger and more visible policing across the region.

Coast regional traffic officer George Kashimiri said the festive season demands heightened vigilance, noting that unsafe speeds continue to contribute to preventable deaths and injuries.

“Through enhanced enforcement, we will ensure motorists adhere to safe speeds and all road users are protected. This is a critical moment for the region to commit to saving lives. We urge everyone to be cautious on the roads and follow recommended speed limits throughout this festive season and beyond,” he said.

According to a recent road-safety report by Vital Strategies, the county’s high-risk corridors include the Mombasa–Nairobi Road, Mombasa–Malindi Road, Likoni–Ukunda Road, Port Reitz–Airport Road and the Makupa Causeway, areas that have consistently recorded some of the highest numbers of speed-related crashes.

Speaking on behalf of Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, transport CECM Daniel Manyala said the campaign reflects the county’s commitment to curbing speed-related crashes and improving public safety.

“This campaign marks a crucial step in addressing the rise in speed-related crashes. We are strengthening enforcement, expanding public awareness, and investing in engineering solutions to make our roads safer. Governor Nassir remains fully committed to ensuring that every road user gets home safely,” he said.

Presenting the data a vital strategies, official commended Mombasa’s use of accurate crash data to guide interventions and save lives.

“This report underscores the critical need for strengthened enforcement, public awareness campaigns, and targeted engineering interventions to address the most dangerous corridors and intersections. Together, we can reverse these alarming trends,” he said.

Mombasa County inspectorate officials led by incharge Charles Changawa present said despite previous awareness efforts, public attitudes still pose a challenge thus posing other users in danger.

Last year’s “Slow Down Speed Kills” campaign revealed that more than 20 percent of motorists felt safe driving above the recommended limits, while over 30 percent believed it was acceptable to speed when they felt “in control.”

Officials say these perceptions justify the tougher approach being implemented this year.

Matatu Owners Association national vice-chair Ali Bathez welcomed the initiative, stressing the role of public transport operators in promoting safety. “We support this campaign fully,” Bathez lamented.

He alluded that overspeeding affects everyone drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.

“We are urging our members to observe speed limits, prioritize safety, and work closely with authorities to reduce crashes during this festive season,” he added.

The Coast region traffic police commander also announced the reintroduction of alcohol breathalyzer checks across major highways, noting that drunk driving remains a leading contributor to fatal crashes.

“We are introducing alcohol blow checks throughout the Coast region to ensure that no intoxicated driver endangers other road users.

Speeding and drunk driving are a deadly combination, and we will not tolerate either during this period,” he said.

The campaign will run throughout the festive season, combining enhanced enforcement with public service announcements on radio, billboards, social media and community outreach.

County officials are calling on all motorists to slow down, follow traffic rules and embrace safer road behaviour, with CECM Manyala emphasizing that the message is simple: “Slow down, save lives.