Kenya has begun implementing global road safety standards to address the high number of traffic fatalities. The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) is leading the initiative to adopt ISO 39001, an international framework aimed at identifying road risks and preventing accidents. The move comes as thousands of Kenyans continue to lose their lives in road crashes annually.
The ISO 39001 standard provides a structured approach for organizations to assess and mitigate road safety risks. It includes measures such as improving road infrastructure, enforcing traffic laws, and promoting safe driving practices. KEBS has partnered with international agencies to ensure the standard aligns with global best practices.
Road safety has long been a concern in Kenya, with reports indicating that road accidents are a leading cause of death. In 2023, the country recorded over 5,000 traffic-related fatalities, according to the National Transport and Safety Authority. The new standards aim to reduce this number by introducing systematic risk management and continuous improvement processes. The implementation is expected to take several years, with pilot programs already underway in major cities.
