Traffic officers in Mombasa have undergone a specialized training exercise on the use of speed enforcement cameras and speed guns, in a renewed push to curb speeding and reduce road crashes along the coastal city’s busy roads.

The training, supported by the Bloomberg Initiative for Road Safety and the Global Road Safety Partnership (GRSP), is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen enforcement and build capacity within local police units. Mombasa was selected as a key training location, with similar workshops conducted three to four times each year.

Speaking during the exercise, Marco Schaler from the Global Road Safety Partnership emphasized the importance of consistent enforcement.

“Speeding remains one of the main killers on our roads. That is why exercises like this are critical in building the capacity of officers to effectively use speed guns and other enforcement tools,” he said.

Authorities noted that many drivers tend to slow down only when they spot traffic officers, highlighting the need for sustained and technology-driven enforcement.

Saidi Saidi, Enforcement Coordinator at the Bloomberg Initiative for Road Safety, said the program is focused on long-term impact.

“The main purpose of this activity is to reduce road deaths and severe injuries, and to help achieve Vision Zero by 2030. We are committed to ensuring safer roads through continuous training, enforcement, and partnerships,” he said.

The initiative, which began in 2021, is being implemented in collaboration with the Global Road Safety Partnership, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), the Kenya Police, and county inspectorate teams.

As part of the program, officers have received speed guns, road cones, and laptops to support enforcement operations. Plans are also underway to supply alcoblow devices to enhance checks on drunk driving.

Beyond speed enforcement, the initiative includes a data collection component where officers record details of road crashes and submit reports to headquarters. The data helps identify high-risk areas, common causes of accidents, and the severity of injuries.

“These reports guide us in advising county governments on where enforcement is most needed,” Saidi added.

Officials say combining enforcement with data-driven strategies is key to reducing accidents and saving lives.

“If we all work together , police, government agencies, and the public, we will improve safety on our roads,” Schaler noted.

The intensified crackdown on speeding comes amid growing concern over road safety in Kenya, where speeding continues to contribute significantly to fatalities and serious injuries.

Authorities are optimistic that with enhanced training, modern equipment, and stronger collaboration, Mombasa will see a reduction in crashes and move closer to achieving safer roads for all.