ASIRT Kenya’s advocacy through the Alliance Incubator has contributed to progress toward the implementation of 30 km/h speed limits and safe urban speeds in Kenya. Using the Alliance Accountability Toolkit (Toolkit), it structured its advocacy to spotlight urgent risks for pedestrians, combining data and evidence, strategic partnerships, and persistent engagement with government to make 30 km/h a national priority.
At the outset, ASIRT assessed the current policy and implementation status of 30 km/h zones in Kenya using the Accountability Checklist in the Toolkit. Through desk research and consultations with authorities, it reviewed national laws, road safety action plans and regulations, mapped key decision-makers and allies, and listened to community concerns. ASIRT’s assessment revealed that the recently launched National Road Safety Action Plan (2024–2028) prioritizes 30 km/h in schools and commercial areas. It also showed that the Traffic Act was under review by the National Transport and Safety Authority. This review provided an opportunity to advocate for the inclusion of 30 km/h speed limit in the Traffic Act. ASIRT also identified champions within the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), civil society allies such as Kenya Red Cross and Smart Drivers Organization, and grassroots community leaders. ASIRT also used a demonstration project in partnership with AMEND to showcase a 30 km/h school zone whose implementation the National Transport and Safety Authority and the Kenya Urban Roads Authority supported.
Using this evidence, ASIRT developed clear and actionable key asks for government guided by the Priority Interventions and Government To Do List in the Toolkit. It outlined specific actions needed in their context to achieve 30 km/h zone implementation, such as establishing a national timeline for 30 km/h zones in high-risk areas, publishing an implementation matrix with budget allocations, and reviewing the Traffic Act to make 30 km/h the default urban speed. Their long-standing credibility with NTSA opened doors for both formal and informal meetings. Using the Talking Points on 30 km/h zones in the Toolkit, ASIRT presented arguments on why these actions were needed, particularly to protect people who walk and to reduce Kenya’s high pedestrian deaths from road crashes.
“By taking every available chance to highlight the need for 30 km/h zones, we ensured the message reached decision-makers repeatedly and from multiple angles. We were able to do this by leveraging our existing relationships and credibility with government officials.” — Bright Oywaya, ASIRT.
Following ASIRT’s meetings with government officials, it is now tracking government responses using the Accountability Tracker. The government has committed to 30 km/h zones as a policy priority and embedded 30 km/h zones in the Traffic Act Review. The implementation matrix for the Action Plan with 30 km/h zones, with budget allocations, is currently under development.
ASIRT continues to work closely with government officials and civil society allies to ensure the full implementation of 30 km/h zones in Kenya.
“You cannot achieve real impact by working in isolation. Collaboration helps to amplify your voice. Building strong alliances is essential for both impact and credibility, and engaging a multiplicity of stakeholders only strengthens the outcome.” — Bright Oywaya, ASIRT.
