Kamonyi: RNP, EAC Armed forces hand over jackets to motorcyclists to enhance road safety

On July 3, 2025, in Kamonyi District, more than 1000 motorcycle taxi operators were handed over reflector jackets to ensure road safety in their daily activities. The event took place at the Bishenyi bus station during the closing of the Defence and security citizen outreach programme 2025 and the 5th East African Community Armed Forces Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) Week Activities.

The CIMIC week activities which is concluding today, started on June 29, 2025 and was integrated into the Defence and Security Citizen Outreach Programme 2025 which was being carried out nationwide in celebration of liberation (Kwibohora 31) and the 25 years of Rwanda National Police partnership with citizens.

 “Today’s outreach activity is part of effort to ensure our security interventions to prevent accidents, saving lives, and also promoting awareness on road safety”, said Lt. Col. Alex Kalama from the Kenya Defence Forces representing the delegation of EAC Armed Forces in Kamonyi District.

“Motocyclists form a remarkable part of the transport system but you find that they remain vulnerable in terms of road accidents especially when moving at night. Therefore, equipping riders with these jackets, we are enhancing the visibility, thereby contributing to the reduction of road traffic accidents and ensure ‘Gerayo Amahoro’”, he added.

He urged the EAC member states to reaffirm their shared values of unity, cooperation and community empowerment stating that together they can build a healthier, a more resilient society, across East African region and therefore contribute to the overall safety of their population.

He commended the high standard of discipline Rwanda motorcyclists display. “In Kenya, one motorcycle can carry three of four people, but here in Kigali you are well disciplined in such a way that one motorcycle carries one person and the other thing that I have observed is that you wear the helmet which is very important. This something that is commended for you and continue this spirit because the safety of our people is very important”, he noted.

“We hope these reflector jackets handed to motorcycle taxi operators will help us to enhance road safety and reducing accidents”, said Alice Kayitesi, Governor of Southern Province.

CP Vincent Sano, Deputy Inspector General of Rwanda National Police in charge of Operations, praised the work done by motorcycle taxi operators and urged them to continue respecting traffic laws in order to prevent road accidents.

“Most road accidents are caused by motorcyclists. Do not relax; continue to respect traffic laws. Give way to pedestrians and treat passengers with respect by maintaining cleanliness, avoiding alcohol, carrying only one passenger and wearing helmets”, he said.