Motorists and pedestrians at the Sabasaba intersection can now breathe a sigh of relief after the installation of new traffic lights at the busy intersection, by the County Government of Mombasa.

The key intersection connects the Central Business District (CBD) to Ronald Ngala towards Nyali Bridge and also Jomo Kenyatta Avenue.

This move is expected to ease traffic congestion, reduce accidents, and improve the overall flow of vehicles in one of the town’s most chaotic intersections.

Residents and road users have welcomed the development, noting that the lights will not only bring order to the junction but also save time lost in endless traffic jams.

"This is a great relief for us as pedestrians. Previously, there was a lot of disorder, but with the installation of these new traffic lights, we believe there will be improved order and a significant reduction in traffic congestion." said Rashid Ali, one of the road users.

On his part the Chief Officer Department of Transport and Infrastructure Engineer Ali Shariff called on the road users to ensure they observe the traffic rules and utilize the traffic lights.

"The county government has fulfilled its role by restoring the traffic lights. It is now up to you both motorists and pedestrians to do your part by observing the traffic rules. We understand it may take some time to adjust, especially since the lights have been out for a long time, but there is no alternative. Simply follow the rules." said Engineer Ali.

Adding "As directed by the Governor, we will now begin work on the Buxton intersection. Our primary goal is to restore sanity and bring order to our roads."

His sentiments were echoed by the Coast Regional Traffic Enforcement Officer George Kashmir who called for compliance.

"We want members of the public to comply and follow the rules so that we have a smooth running. Go as per the light indication. To those who will fail to comply and observe the rules, we will have no option but to arrest and charge them.

Adding "These new lights will also assist our officers on the ground and make their work easy unlike before where they had to physically control the jam." said Kashmir.

Early this year, Mombasa County Government in conjuction with the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety (BIGRS), released the 2023 Mombasa Road Safety Report.

Findings from the report shows that the reported number of road traffic deaths increased by 36% in 2023, from 69 in 2022 to 94, while serious injuries rose by 17%, from 161 in 2022 to 188.

Vulnerable road users’ pedestrians, motorcyclists, and cyclists—made up 92% of the reported deaths in 2023, with pedestrians alone accounting for 56% of these deaths.