Over the past 10 days, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has arrested over 250 pedestrians in Nairobi as part of a focused effort to enforce the use of designated footbridges. This initiative addresses the serious issue of jaywalking, which is classified as an offense under traffic laws, resulting in potential prosecution for obstructing the flow of traffic.
During a recent enforcement operation, NTSA assistant director Brenda Sawe highlighted that 250 pedestrians have been apprehended since July 20 for not utilizing the designated footbridges. “Today, we recorded 40 arrests for non-compliance, and we will continue this important exercise. Since we began on July 20, we have brought 250 individuals before the court,” she stated, later updating the total to 51 for the day.
The NTSA collaborates with the National Police Service to enhance compliance and significantly reduce pedestrian-related accidents and fatalities on our roads. Offenders face fines ranging from Sh500 to Sh5,000, or may be arrested and taken to court.
This crackdown comes in response to alarming statistics revealing that pedestrians account for nearly 38 percent of all road traffic fatalities in Kenya. Despite the clear risks and penalties associated with jaywalking, many pedestrians continue to cross busy roads at unauthorized points, including major highways like Thika Superhighway, Mombasa Road, and Waiyaki Way.
Challenges such as the condition, accessibility, and safety of certain footbridges complicate compliance. Some individuals avoid using these structures due to commercial encroachment, concerns about crime, and the inconvenience of walking longer distances to access points.
Additionally, hawkers occupy parts of various footbridges, which limits movement, while others fear potential attacks from criminals in those areas. The positioning of some footbridges also discourages compliance, as pedestrians often opt to cross the road for convenience rather than walking extra meters to reach access points. For elderly individuals and those carrying heavy loads, navigating long flights of stairs can prove to be a significant challenge.
Furthermore, some footbridges are occupied by street families, further impeding passage, and users have reported unpleasant odors and waste on poorly maintained structures.
Sawe confirmed that the crackdown will persist until we see a noticeable improvement in compliance. “We hope that by the end of this initiative, we will foster a change in behavior, as this offense stems from behavioral choices.”
Let’s work together to create safer streets for everyone!
