Partnership and dialogue for implementation of new road safety rules in Kenya

Basic measures to address road traffic injuries in Kenya have been characterised by a lack of strong political will, concern and priority. The response has often been piecemeal and ad hoc and characterised by high vigilance following a major road crash that gradually tailed off with the passing of time. There has, however, been an important turn since 1 February 2004, with the government enforcing implementation of new road safety rules for public transport. However, the process leading to the implementation revealed gaps in partnership and dialogue between the different agencies and stakeholders. An initial assessment confirmed that these gaps had not yet been addressed. The aim of this paper is to underscore the urgent need to promote partnership and dialogue between different stakeholders in the implementation of new road safety rules in Kenya. Important elements for a road safety partnership and dialogue strategy that are highlighted in this paper include: securing involvement of all stakeholders continued high political concern and priority inclusive transport policy and practice research and evaluation of implementation awareness raising, publicity and empowerment. l/ligl/ulg