Clemson to lead Kenyan delegation on automotive safety tour

Published: November 4, 2011

CLEMSON, S.C. --  A delegation from the Republic of Kenya will come to Clemson University next week to study methods to improve automotive safety in the East African nation.

Hassan Ole Kamwaro, chairman of Kenya's Transport Licensing Board, will examine automotive safety from many angles, touring Michelin facilities in the Upstate as well as the South Carolina Highway Patrol, Department of Motor Vehicles and Traffic Law Enforcement Training Academy in Columbia.

"Kenya faces tremendous problems in transportation safety, from infrastructure to licensing qualified drivers," said Kim Alexander, executive director of the Clemson University Automotive Safety Research Institute, which is hosting the visit.

"Chairman Kamwaro has said Kenya leads the continent in road carnage and a decisive action needs to be taken to reverse the trend," Alexander said. "He has asked our faculty, staff and students to assist his country in promoting road safety and reducing road fatalities. We're hopeful this trip will give his team ideas that they can put to use immediately and also will lead to long-term relationships for sharing information on automotive safety concerns."

As chairman of Kenya's Transport Licensing Board, Kamwaro oversees coordination and control of that country's transportation infrastructure and facilities. Under the authorization of President Mwai Kibaki, Kamwaro's delegation will include the country's chief traffic enforcement officer and the president of Narok University College.

Clemson and Narok University College are examining ways in which they can collaborate more closely on transportation safety issues, Alexander said.

During their visit, the group will hold discussions about establishing a formal relationship between Clemson's Automotive Safety Research Institute and Narok University College through which both college students and road safety workers can be trained.

Clemson will anchor the Nov. 7-12 visit, which includes overnight stays in Columbia and Greenville. In addition to touring state transportation and law enforcement facilities, the group will meet with legislators from the Senate transportation and House education committees.

A Michelin North America Inc. tour will include a demonstration of tire safety initiatives. The visit also includes an introduction to the Safe Driving Program, a national program sponsored by the Automotive Safety Research Institute and the Richard Petty Driving Experience.

Initially designed for high-risk drivers aged 16 to 25, the research-based program teaches safe driving skills and safety education to participants through a classroom setting and on-track experiences by placing students in hazardous driving situations in a controlled, safe environment.

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