Nyeri’s Own Boaz Njogu Champions Road Safety Through Dance and Messaging

NYERI — On the approach to Nyeri town, near the Temple Road junction, passersby are greeted by an uncommon sight: Boaz Njogu, a 23-year-old dancing by the roadside, not just for entertainment but with a mission to promote road safety. Njogu’s innovative campaign has caught the eyes of many motorists on the bustling Karatina-Nyeri highway, where he pairs his dance moves with important messages on traffic rules, inspiration, and safety tips displayed on a wooden stand.

According to Kenya News Agency, his initiative began six months ago in the heart of Nyeri Central Business District but later moved to the highway for greater visibility. Motivated by alarming statistics on road accidents in Kenya, Njogu felt compelled to take action. The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) reported more than 20,000 road accident involvements last year, with significant causes being loss of vehicle control, lane indiscipline, and careless overtaking.

Njogu dedicates four hours daily to his campaign, preparing messages early in the morning and using peak traffic hours to reach the most motorists. In addition to his road safety advocacy, he supports himself with landscaping and fence trimming jobs. His consistent presence has become a fixture for regular commuters, with many, including local boda boda operators, acknowledging the positive impact of his efforts on road discipline.

Martin Muriithi, a boda boda operator, praised Njogu’s dedication and the noticeable effect on motorists’ behavior, particularly among fellow riders known for flouting traffic rules. Muriithi and others have expressed a desire for local government support for Njogu’s self-funded campaign, which faces financial challenges due to the costs associated with creating daily messages.

Despite facing skepticism and misunderstanding from some first-time observers, Njogu remains committed to his cause, even receiving apologies and support from those who initially doubted his intentions. He advocates for more aggressive road safety campaigns and believes that, with support from government agencies like NTSA and the Traffic Department, significant improvements in road safety can be achieved in Kenya.

Njogu’s unique approach to road safety education has not only made him a local celebrity but also demonstrates the power of individual initiative in driving societal change, one dance move at a time.