By Benadeta Mwaura - Reporter
Kenya, July 21, 2026 - The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has intensified its road safety enforcement campaign beyond motorists, with 22 pedestrians arraigned in court after allegedly crossing highways instead of using designated footbridges and pedestrian crossings.
The arrests mark the latest phase of the government's broader road safety crackdown, reflecting growing concern over pedestrian fatalities, which continue to account for a significant share of road accident deaths in Kenya.
While recent enforcement campaigns have largely targeted speeding motorists, drunk drivers and rogue public service vehicles, authorities are now placing greater responsibility on pedestrians to observe traffic laws.
The latest operation targeted individuals accused of crossing busy roads at undesignated points despite the availability of footbridges, exposing themselves and motorists to unnecessary danger.
According to the National Transport and Safety Authority, pedestrians are legally required to use available footbridges, walkways and designated crossing points where they exist.
During an earlier nationwide operation, the authority emphasized, "Pedestrians must use available footbridges, walkways and other designated crossing points to ensure their safety."
The renewed enforcement comes against a backdrop of persistently high pedestrian fatalities on Kenyan roads.
NTSA statistics have consistently shown that pedestrians remain among the most vulnerable road users alongside motorcycle riders and passengers, prompting the government to broaden enforcement efforts beyond drivers alone.
Road safety experts argue that although motorists bear the greatest responsibility for safe driving, pedestrians also have a legal obligation to use designated infrastructure intended to reduce collisions.
Many fatal crashes occur when individuals attempt to cross multi-lane highways instead of walking a few metres to the nearest footbridge.
Even as authorities tighten enforcement, road users have repeatedly raised concerns over the condition and accessibility of many pedestrian bridges across the country.
Several footbridges, particularly within Nairobi and other urban centres, have in recent years been occupied by hawkers, street families and, in some instances, boda boda riders, making them difficult or intimidating for pedestrians to use.
Earlier this year, NTSA warned traders and motorists against occupying footbridges, stressing that the structures exist solely for pedestrian safety.
"Walking paths are meant for safe passage. Hawking along the footbridges obstructs movement and puts pedestrians at risk. Let's keep the walkways clear and safe for everyone," the authority said.
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Similarly, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) previously acknowledged that encroachment by hawkers had made many footbridges unusable.
"Footbridges are designed to provide a safe, efficient, and often pleasant passage for pedestrians. Unfortunately, most footbridges along the highways are now unfeasible to use due to encroachment by hawkers and street families," KeNHA said while announcing a nationwide clearance operation.
The agency added, "In a bid to deter any further loss of life, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), has launched an operation to clear all footbridges and underpasses of any hawkers and street families."
Transport analysts say the latest prosecutions highlight a broader road safety dilemma.
While enforcement may discourage dangerous road crossings, sustainable improvements will also require safer, cleaner and more accessible pedestrian infrastructure.
In many urban areas, pedestrians cite poorly lit footbridges, insecurity at night, long walking distances between crossings and obstruction by informal traders as reasons for avoiding the structures.
Road safety advocates argue that enforcement should therefore go hand in hand with continuous investment in pedestrian facilities, improved lighting, regular maintenance and the removal of illegal encroachments.
The arraignment of the 22 pedestrians signals that Kenya's road safety campaign is entering a new phase where responsibility is increasingly shared between motorists and pedestrians.
For road users, the message from regulators is clear: road safety is not solely the responsibility of drivers. Pedestrians are equally expected to obey traffic rules by using designated crossings and footbridges, while government agencies must ensure that those facilities remain safe, accessible and fit for purpose.
As Kenya continues seeking to reduce road fatalities, striking the right balance between enforcement, public awareness and improved infrastructure may ultimately prove more effective than punitive measures alone.