Driving Safety Forward: FIA Helmet Wearing Programme Promoted at Safari Rally Kenya

Road safety remains a significant concern in Kenya. In 2021 alone, according to the World Health Organization, the country recorded 4,579 road fatalities, with 38% of these involving two- or three-wheeled vehicles. Since helmets are estimated to reduce the risk of death by 42% and head injuries by 69%, addressing inconsistent helmet use and the lack of high-quality helmets is crucial to lowering this fatality rate. 

The Safari Rally Kenya provided an opportunity to raise awareness of the FIA Helmet Wearing Programme as His Excellency the President of the Republic of Kenya, Hon. William Samoei Ruto, PhD, C.G.H, was joined by Word Rally Championship drivers, Thierry Neuville (Hyundai Shell Mobis WRT), Grégoire Munster (M-Sport Ford WRT), and Kalle Rovanperä (Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT), FIA Vice President for Sport – Europe Anna Nordkvist, FIA Vice President for Sport – Africa Rodrigo Rocha, Automobile Association of Kenya (AA Kenya) Chairman Jinaro Kibet, AA Kenya General Manager Francis Theuri to emphasise the life-saving impact of high-quality helmet use. They were also accompanied by Jona Siebel, WRC Promoter Managing Director, Charles Gacheru, CEO of Safari Rally Kenya and members of Kenya’s National Coalition for Helmet Wearing of which AA Kenya is a member, including George Njao, Director General of NTSA, Grace Wahome, Programme Director at Transaid, Elly Kegode, Chair of KRO Motorcycle SACCO, Kevin Mbadi, Chairman of the Boda Boda Safety Association of Kenya. 

Supported by the FIA safe and Sustainable Mobility Grants Programme funded by the FIA Foundation, the FIA Helmet Wearing programme aims to increase awareness on the importance of wearing certified helmets. The Programme promotes demonstration projects, training opportunity and working with government to increase helmet safety standards.

In Kenya, the FIA Helmet Wearing Programme and the National Helmet Wearing Coalition contribute to supporting the Kenyan government in championing the reduction of road crash fatalities in line with its objectives and commitments. 

“I’m pleased to host today the representatives of the FIA Helmet Wearing Programme, an initiative that plays a crucial role in enhancing road safety for our boda-boda riders. This programme is implemented in Kenya by the Automobile Association of Kenya with the support of the FIA Safe and Sustainable Mobility Grants Programme funded by the FIA Foundation. By providing life-saving helmets, this initiative reinforces our national commitment to reducing road fatalities, in line with our 2024-2028 National Road Safety Plan,” said His Excellency the President of the Republic of Kenya, Hon. William Samoei Ruto, PhD, C.G.H.

“As FIA Vice President for Sport, I recognise the vital role motor sport plays in promoting road safety. The Safari Rally Kenya is more than a showcase of competitive excellence — it is a powerful platform to inspire safer road practices. Through initiatives like the FIA Helmet Wearing Programme, we can leverage the visibility of motorsport to emphasize the life-saving importance of high-quality helmet use, making safety accessible to all,” said FIA Vice President for Sport – Africa Rodrigo Rocha.

“At AA Kenya, road safety is at the heart of our mission and we know that high-quality helmets can really change the game. As a proud member of the National Helmet Wearing Coalition, and with the support of the FIA and the FIA Foundation, we are determined to play a key role in making sure helmets protect more and more users on our country’s road,” said AA Kenya CEO Francis Theuri.

Also commenting on the event, FIA Secretary General for Automobile Mobility and Tourism Willem Groenewald declared, “Helmet safety is a global priority. Events like Safari Rally Kenya provide a unique platform where the entire FIA community beyond motor sport and mobility unites to raise awareness and pursue one goal, saving lives. The FIA remains committed to collaborating with its Member Clubs, as it does with AA Kenya, to enhance the protection of motorcyclists and all road users through education and advocacy.”

Executive Director of the FIA Foundation Saul Billingsley added, “Every year, thousands of lives are lost due to preventable motorcycle injuries. Ensuring that helmets meet high safety standards and are widely used is a critical step toward reducing road fatalities. The FIA Foundation is proud to support AA Kenya, the FIA Helmet Wearing Programme and Kenya’s National Helmet Wearing Coalition in their efforts to make roads safer.”

The promotion of the FIA Helmet Wearing Programme at Safari Rally Kenya highlights the importance of collaboration in promoting road safety. By bringing together government representatives, motorsport drivers, and road safety advocates, the initiative reinforced the importance of high-quality helmets in preventing fatalities and injuries. As Kenya advances its National Road Safety Plan, partnerships like these will remain vital in achieving safer roads for all.

FIAWRCRoad SafetyMembersMobility1MobilityFIAWRCRoad SafetyMembers00Friday, March 21, 2025 – 5:07pmFriday, March 21, 2025 – 5:07pm