Call for road safety as Afrika Mashariki Awards are launched

Road safety and adherence to traffic rules were the key emphasis at this year’s Afrika Mashariki Transport Awards (AMTA) unveiled in Nairobi yesterday. The ceremony was held at the Standard Group PLC, which is the official media partner.

Speaking during the glitz event, National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) Deputy Director, Duncan Kibogong, said road safety was a collective role of all and not just the government.

He cautioned road users against reckless road habits and asked motorists to be mindful of fellow road users as he cautioned the rate of road fatalities was rising at an alarming rate.    

 “Indeed the transport industry is an important pillar in the economy, offering services to commuters, delivering farm produce and manufactured products among others. 

NTSA will continue to support the industry by playing a crucial role in enhancing road safety and service delivery through strategic innovation management and technology operational efficiency,” Kibogong said.

The awards, now in their fourth year, bring together stakeholders in the transport sector including NTSA, Safaricom, Standard Group PLC, Ministry of Transport, Kenya Railways, Kenya Ports Authority and the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority.

Transport sector stakeholders and partners of the award will get a chance to showcase innovations in the industry.

 Afrika Mashariki Transport Awards (AMTA) founder Edgar Meshak said: “The awards seek to celebrate excellence and talent in the industry. It is also a platform for networking and raising awareness about road safety.”

Standard Group PLC Chief Executive Officer Marion Gathoga welcomed the partnership noting that the company’s online motor show platform, Digger Motors, was in support of AMTA’s vision of recognising excellence in the transport sector.

“At the Standard Group PLC, we are immensely proud of our more than 100-year heritage. We are delighted to be associated with the AMTA awards, which celebrate excellence in the transport industry,” Gathoga said.

 “As a leader in the transport and automotive space, the Standard Group PLC consistently hosts major thought leadership forums, bringing together key stakeholders from the private sector, government, and academia to discuss critical transport matters and their impact on society. We also spotlight all happening in the sector on our 360-degree media platforms,” the CEO said.

The stakeholders present at the launch included Watu Gari, VW Babes, Advanced Road Users Safety Institute, Sikika Road Safety, Tembea Tujenge Kenya, She Can Drive Kenya and Forester Nation.

The awards General Category features Motorclub of the Year, Auto Dealer of the Year, Auto Bazaar of the Year, Fuel Station of the Year, Best Breakdown Recovery and Towing Service and Driving School of the Year.

There is also Transport Infrastructure Category with Rail Infrastructure of the Year, Aviation Transport Infrastructure of the Year as well as Bikers Category featuring Riding Club of the Year and Bikers Safety Initiative of the year.

Other categories include Awards Nominated by Judges, Outstanding Personnel of the Year, Transport Sector, Recognition and Celebration, Matatu Awards and Media in Transport.

Moreover, the awards will be complemented by a three-day Transport Expo.

The exhibition will bring together industry leaders and experts to exchange ideas on emerging trends and solutions in transportation. The expo to be held at Sarit Expo Centre is anticipated to attract 10,000 attendees.

AMTA co-founder Warren Lamu said that with the rise in urbanisation and technological advancements, innovation in transport is necessary to meet an ever-growing demand, in a world that is also more conscious of environmental protection.

“With this year’s awards “Driving Towards a Sustainable and Secure Future: Green Energy and Safety in Transport”, we hope that the awards will leave an indelible mark on our future generations,” Meshak said.

Some of the past winners include Renegade Air (Domestic Airline of the Year), Mash East Africa (Long Distance Bus Service of the Year), Super Metro Sacco (Matatu Sacco of the Year) and Buzeki Enterprises (Haulier/Logistics Company of the Year).