The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has intensified its enforcement campaign against pedestrians who fail to use designated footbridges, with a fresh operation targeting road. users crossing at undesignated points near the Pipeline Transami footbridge in Nairobi.
The joint operation, conducted on Monday in collaboration with the National Police Service (NPS), resulted in the arrest of several pedestrians accused of crossing the busy highway instead of using the available footbridge.
Video shared by NTSA showed police officers escorting the suspects to a waiting police vehicle before they were taken for processing ahead of their expected arraignment in court.
According to the authority, the enforcement exercise is aimed at improving a compliance with road safety regulations and reducing pedestrian-related road accidents.
“Joint pedestrian enforcement currently underway at Pipeline Transami footbridge targeting pedestrians who fail to use the footbridge and obstructing free flow of traffic. The offenders are expected to be arraigned in court this morning,” NTSA said.
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The authority urged all pedestrians to use designated footbridges and marked crossing points whenever they are available, warning that crossing highways at undesignated locations puts lives at risk.
“The authority urges pedestrians to use designated footbridges/crossings at all times as crossing in undesignated areas not only endangers their lives but also puts other road users at risk and disrupts traffic,” NTSA added.
The latest arrests are part of an ongoing citywide enforcement campaign launched on July 20 to improve pedestrian safety across Nairobi.
Speaking during a recent operation, NTSA Assistant Director Brenda Sawe revealed that at least 250 pedestrians had been arrested since the crackdown began for failing to use designated footbridges.
“Today we’ve arrested a total of 40 pedestrians who failed to use the footbridge, and this exercise is going to continue. We started it around the 20th of July; so far, up to today we’ve arrested 250 and have been presented to court,” Sawe said.
NTSA later updated the day’s figures, confirming that 51 pedestrians had been arrested during the operation.
Under the Traffic Act, pedestrians who ignore designated crossing facilities risk fines ranging from KSh500 to KSh5,000 or prosecution for obstructing the free flow of traffic.
The enforcement campaign has targeted several accident-prone locations across Nairobi, including Allsops, Buruburu, Nyayo Stadium and Pipeline, where authorities say many pedestrians continue to cross highways despite the availability of footbridges.
According to NTSA, pedestrians account for nearly 38% of all road traffic fatalities in Kenya, making them the most vulnerable category of road users.
The authority maintains that many of these deaths can be prevented through greater compliance with road safety regulations and the consistent use of pedestrian infrastructure.
Despite the crackdown, some members of the public have raised concerns over the condition and accessibility of certain footbridges. Pedestrians have cited poor maintenance, insecurity, hawker encroachment, unpleasant conditions and the long walking distances to some crossing points as reasons for avoiding the structures. Elderly people and those carrying heavy loads have also expressed concerns about climbing lengthy staircases.
NTSA has, however, maintained that the enforcement campaign will continue alongside public awareness initiatives aimed at promoting safer road use and reducing pedestrian fatalities across the country.
