By James Murimi - Reporter
Kenya, December 16 2025 - With traffic volumes expected to surge during the Christmas season, a coalition of community leaders, security agencies and road safety officials in Nanyuki has turned its focus to one of the most vulnerable road users – school-going children.
At a road safety sensitization forum held on Tuesday at the Nanyuki Library in Laikipia County, stakeholders warned that the festive period often brings a spike in accidents, many of which involve young pedestrians and cyclists navigating busy urban roads.
The programme, organized by Binti Mwangaza, a community-based organization, sought to address the often-overlooked issue of child visibility on roads, particularly in early mornings and evenings when traffic is heavy and lighting is poor.
Binti Mwangaza Director Ann Muriuki said the organization had invested in reflector jackets designed to make learners more visible to motorists when schools reopen next year.
“Most accidents involving children happen in built-up urban areas where visibility is a challenge. These reflector jackets will help drivers easily spot learners as they walk or cycle to school,” Ms Muriuki said.
She said the initiative was part of a broader mission to promote a culture of shared responsibility on the roads, calling on motorists to slow down and remain alert during the holidays.
“Christmas should be a time of joy, not mourning. We are urging drivers to be extra cautious so that children and other pedestrians can get home safely,” she added.
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Nanyuki Police Base Commander Kelvin Sauroki said road safety education remains a critical tool in preventing accidents, especially among children who often lack awareness of traffic risks.
“We joined NTSA officials to educate school-going children on how to safely use the roads,” Mr Sauroki said. “If children understand basic safety rules, and motorists respect traffic laws, we can significantly reduce accidents.”
He noted that many children in Nanyuki use bicycles as a means of transport, increasing their exposure to road risks, and urged parents and guardians to ensure young cyclists adhere to safety measures.
Also present at the event was British Army officer Robert Otwoma, who said the decision to focus on children was informed by the tragic loss of lives witnessed during previous festive seasons.
“Year after year, we see accidents that claim innocent lives, especially during Christmas,” Mr Otwoma said. “From next year, we plan to take this initiative directly to schools and distribute reflector jackets to learners.”
Organizers said the sensitization drive is expected to continue beyond the festive season, with community outreach programmes aimed at embedding road safety awareness at the grassroots level. As holiday travel intensifies, the message from Nanyuki was clear – safeguarding children on the roads requires vigilance, education and collective action.
