Toyota, in collaboration with the Gazoo Racing Team, has unveiled a comprehensive Child Road Safety Awareness Campaign aimed at addressing the disproportionate number of road accidents involving children. With approximately 3,000 road deaths occurring annually in Kenya, representing 40% of which are pedestrians and vulnerable road users, the initiative seeks to mitigate the devastating impact of road traffic injuries on families and the economy.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), children are particularly vulnerable on Kenya’s roads due to their ongoing physical, cognitive, and social development. Their small stature poses challenges in visibility, making them more susceptible to serious injuries. Recognizing these risks, Toyota’s initiative is a proactive step towards fostering safer roads, especially during the forthcoming WRC Safari Season in Naivasha.
The campaign convenes key stakeholders, including the CFAO Motors Kenya CEO, Arvinder Reel, Mr. George Njao, Director General of the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), and Mr. Jari-Matti Lavtala, Principal of the Toyota Gazoo Racing Team. The event aims to raise awareness about child road safety and advocate for measures to reduce road accidents, particularly those involving school-going children.
With road traffic injuries identified as a leading cause of disability, health burden, and poverty in Kenya, the Toyota Road Safety Child Awareness Campaign signifies a crucial step towards fostering a culture of road safety and protecting the nation’s most vulnerable road users. The initiative underscores Toyota’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and its dedication to making a tangible difference in communities across Kenya.
As the nation grapples with the staggering toll of road accidents, the launch of this campaign offers a glimmer of hope in the collective effort to save lives and prevent unnecessary tragedies on Kenya’s roads.