The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has arrested at least 250 pedestrians in Nairobi over the last 10 days for failing to use designated footbridges. The crackdown targets jaywalking, which is an offence under Kenyan traffic laws due to its impact on traffic flow and pedestrian safety.
NTSA assistant director Brenda Sawe confirmed that since July 20, the authority has been conducting operations to enforce compliance. "Today alone, we arrested 51 pedestrians who ignored footbridges," she said, noting that all arrested individuals have been presented to court.
Enforcement and Penalties
The NTSA is working alongside the National Police Service to reduce pedestrian-related accidents, which currently account for nearly 38% of all road traffic fatalities in Kenya. Offenders face fines ranging from Sh500 to Sh5,000, or arrest and prosecution.
Challenges Affecting Compliance
Despite the crackdown, many pedestrians continue to cross busy roads such as Thika Superhighway, Mombasa Road, and Waiyaki Way at undesignated points. Several factors complicate compliance:
- Footbridges are sometimes occupied by hawkers and street families, limiting access.
- Concerns over crime and personal safety deter some pedestrians from using the structures.
- Inconvenient locations and the need to walk longer distances discourage use.
- Physical barriers such as long staircases pose difficulties for the elderly and those carrying heavy loads.
- Poor maintenance has resulted in unpleasant odors and waste accumulation on some footbridges.
Sawe emphasized that the ongoing exercise aims to change pedestrian behavior and improve safety. "This is an offence that is due to behaviour," she said, affirming that the crackdown will continue until compliance improves.
