The FIA Helmet Wearing programme took centre stage at the Safari Rally Kenya, joined by President Ruto and World Rally Championship drivers to raise the profile of motorcycle safety, supported by the FIA Foundation.

Supported by the FIA Safe and Sustainable Mobility Grants Programme funded by the FIA Foundation, the FIA Helmet Wearing Programme aims to increase awareness of the importance of wearing certified helmets. The Programme promotes demonstration projects and training opportunities and works with the Kenyan Government to increase helmet safety standards. The Safari Rally Kenya was a particular opportunity to raise awareness of the FIA Helmet Wearing Programme, as road safety remains a significant concern in Kenya. Over a third (38%) of the country’s recorded 4,500 road fatalities involved two- or three-wheeled vehicles. A quality helmet, properly worn, reduces the risk of death by 42% and head injuries by 69%.

His Excellency the President of the Republic of Kenya, Hon. William Samoei Ruto, PhD, C.G.H, was joined by World 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 – Africa Rodrigo Rocha, and Automobile Association of Kenya (AA Kenya) General Manager Francis Theuri to emphasise the life-saving impact of high-quality helmet use. They were also accompanied by members of Kenya National Helmet Wearing Coalition, also supported by the FIA Foundation, 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, and Charles Gacheru, CEO of Safari Rally Kenya. 

President Ruto opened the event, saying: "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." 

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." 

"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.

Commenting on the event, FIA Secretary-General for Automobile Mobility and Tourism Willem Groenewald said: "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."

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 leaders, motorsport champions, 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.