The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has issued a stern warning to motorcycle riders against using pedestrian footbridges as shortcuts, emphasizing that these structures are strictly for pedestrian use.

This reminder comes amid growing concerns over the misuse of footbridges by boda boda riders, hawkers, and street families, which has compromised pedestrian safety and made several bridges hazardous or unusable.

Pedestrian Safety Under Threat

During the first half of 2026, pedestrians accounted for 836 of the 2,150 road fatalities recorded nationwide, representing 38% of all road deaths and making them the most affected group.

Specific locations such as the Langata Uhuru Gardens footbridge have drawn public attention due to incidents involving motorcycles on footbridges. Authorities have responded by installing speed bumps nearby to discourage risky road crossings.

Calls for Enhanced Enforcement

  • Many Kenyans have urged NTSA and related agencies to install CCTV cameras on all footbridges to monitor and mitigate illegal activities including motorbike riding, hawking, and crime.
  • Concerns have also been raised about motorcycles using pavements and the normalization of unsafe practices by some matatu operators.
  • Recent crackdowns in Nairobi have targeted pedestrians flouting footbridge usage rules, but the public is calling for broader enforcement that includes motorcycle riders.

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has already equipped some pedestrian facilities, like the Greenpark underpass, with CCTV cameras, elevators, and improved lighting to enhance safety.

Ongoing Efforts and Public Debate

NTSA, the National Police Service, and Nairobi City County Government are collaborating to enforce compliance with road safety regulations, aiming to reduce pedestrian fatalities. However, the enforcement measures have sparked debate on social media about their fairness and effectiveness.

As the authorities intensify efforts to protect pedestrians, there is a growing call for comprehensive strategies addressing the misuse of footbridges and overall road safety challenges in urban areas.