The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) announced plans to adopt international road safety standards aimed at improving transport systems, enhancing institutional accountability and safeguarding vulnerable road users.

Industrialisation Secretary Professor Erastus Gatebe told an engagement forum in Mombasa that the initiative will bring together government agencies, regulators and international experts to create a coordinated approach to road safety.

Key institutions slated to participate include the National Transport and Safety Authority, the National Police Service, the State Department for Transport and other relevant stakeholders.

Gatebe highlighted that despite existing enforcement, road accidents continue to claim lives, with pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and passengers bearing a disproportionate share of the risk.

Limited public awareness and poor understanding of current standards were identified by KEBS Deputy Director Maryann Kindiki as major barriers to effective implementation.

Kindiki said KEBS is collaborating with other regulators to raise awareness and build capacity for identifying, adopting and applying relevant standards within their sectors.

The effort is being guided by the ISO/TC 241 framework on Road Traffic Safety Management Systems, which promotes systematic planning, management and accountability to reduce crashes.

Discussions also focus on integrating safety standards into road infrastructure planning and management, aiming for safer designs for all users.

ISO/TC 241 Chair Dr Young‑Jun Moon urged greater use of accident data and modern technologies such as artificial intelligence to pinpoint high‑risk areas and support evidence‑based interventions.

The international framework’s long‑term ambition is zero road fatalities, encouraging countries to harmonise standards, strengthen coordination and adopt proactive crash‑prevention measures.