KeNHA Partners With Waze To Roll Out Live Traffic Alerts and Transform Road Safety in Kenya

Kenyan drivers are being handed a new tool to navigate safer roads. The Kenya National Highways Authority has teamed up with Waze to introduce live traffic alerts that warn motorists about accidents, potholes, and road works as they happen. The move signals a shift from reactive to preventive road safety, using technology already in drivers’ pockets.

The system is designed for simplicity and speed. Once installed, the app displays real-time hazard markers on the map, giving drivers instant awareness of what lies ahead. With a single tap, users can access more details about each alert. As KeNHA puts it, “Simply click on the icon on the map and the app will provide more information on the alert.” Early use in Nairobi has already shown strong uptake, with dozens of incidents flagged by users within a short time.

What sets this initiative apart is the role of everyday motorists. Drivers are not just consuming information; they are actively supplying it. By reporting hazards as they encounter them, they help build a constantly updated safety network. This crowdsourced model could play a key role in reducing accidents, especially during high-risk periods when traffic volumes surge and visibility of hazards becomes critical.

The rollout comes as the government intensifies its tech-driven approach to road safety. Speaking earlier, Raymond Omollo noted, “We are digitizing and automating the traffic police reporting process.” At the same time, the National Transport and Safety Authority is expanding the use of smart cameras and digital enforcement systems to catch violations in real time.

With ongoing road expansion across the country, traffic risks are also increasing. This new system reflects a broader shift.