The AA Road Safety Excellence Awards covered a diverse range of categories, highlighting the multifaceted nature of road safety in Kenya today. These included: Driver Safety & Wellness, Road Safety Champion of the year, Road Safety Innovation, Policy & Compliance, Insurance company of the year, Motor Financier, Community engagement & Motor Club of the year.                                                                                                  

Other categories included EV Adoption Champion, Traffic Base Commander of the year, Matatu Sacco, Bodaboda Sacco, Learning Institutions and Digital Taxi Operator of the year.

CEO of AA Kenya Francis Theuri said, “Why these awards? Over the years, AA Kenya has collected extensive data on what’s happening on our roads. We realised that behind the numbers are stories of impact. Efforts worth recognising and learning from. This platform helps us celebrate progress, exchange ideas, and foster a stronger culture of safety.” 

The awards gala was attended by senior government officials, including State Department for Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi, National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) Director General George Njao, the Traffic Police Commandant, AA Kenya Governing Council members, and grassroots safety advocates from across the country. 

The event drew active participation, with winners expressing pride in being recognised for their contributions to road safety. One of the highlights of the event was the Road Safety Corner, where attendees signed a pledge to be committed and responsible road users. The pledge board featured Ten Road Safety Commandments, each displaying key messages on safe road practices. This engaging activity encouraged meaningful conversations and strengthened the importance of fostering a strong road safety culture.

“Road safety isn’t just about infrastructure or regulation. It’s about behaviour, culture, and the choices we make every day,” said Elijah Mwangi, State Department for Sports Principal Secretary. “This event gives us a moment to reflect on our individual and collective responsibility to uphold safety on our roads.”

The awards aims to support the goals of Kenya’s National Road Safety Action Plan and, more broadly, with the objectives of the UN Decade for Action for Road Safety, which seek to significantly reduce road traffic deaths and injuries worldwide through better education, enforcement, infrastructure, and policy. 

In his address, NTSA Director General George Njao announced plans to reintroduce alcohol testing (Alcoblow) and roll out more highway surveillance cameras to reduce dangerous driving and support enforcement.

“The majority of road crash victims in Kenya are between 18 and 35 years old. To reverse this trend, we must strengthen partnerships, improve education, and hold drivers accountable,” he said.

The creation of the AA Kenya Road Safety Excellence Awards marks a critical step forward in recognising Kenya’s road safety champions and encouraging a collaborative and data-driven approach to saving lives.