Footbridge si ya nduthi! NTSA warns riders against using pedestrian bridges

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has warned motorcycle riders against using footbridges, saying the structures are reserved for pedestrians and should not be turned into shortcuts for motorcycles.

In a public safety message, the authority reminded road users that footbridges are designed to protect people on foot and should remain safe and accessible.

"Footbridge si ya nduthi!" the authority said, urging riders to keep off the pedestrian facilities.

The warning comes as NTSA steps up enforcement and public education campaigns aimed at improving road safety and reducing risky behaviour on Kenyan roads.

The authority said footbridges are meant exclusively for pedestrians and appealed to motorcycle riders to respect the purpose of the structures.

"Footbridges are for pedestrians only. Let's keep them safe for everyone walking," NTSA said.

The latest message follows an ongoing enforcement campaign targeting unsafe road use in Nairobi and other areas.

In recent weeks, the authority, working with the National Police Service, has intensified operations against pedestrians who ignore designated footbridges and cross busy roads at undesignated points.

The campaign is part of broader efforts to improve compliance with traffic regulations and reduce crashes involving vulnerable road users.

NTSA has maintained that proper use of footbridges plays a critical role in protecting pedestrians, who account for a significant proportion of road traffic deaths in Kenya.

The authority has previously said pedestrians make up nearly 38 per cent of all road traffic fatalities, with many of the deaths occurring when people cross highways at undesignated locations despite the availability of footbridges.

Even as enforcement continues, NTSA has acknowledged that some pedestrians avoid footbridges because of concerns over poor maintenance, insecurity, commercial encroachment by hawkers and the long distances to some crossing points.

Despite those concerns, the authority insists that designated crossing facilities remain the safest option for crossing busy roads.

By extending its safety campaign to motorcycle riders, NTSA is seeking to ensure that footbridges serve their intended purpose without exposing pedestrians to additional danger.

The authority urged all road users to play their part in promoting safety by respecting traffic rules and using road infrastructure as intended.