NTSA arrests over 50 pedestrians over failure to use Allsops footbridge

At least 50 pedestrians have been arrested in an ongoing enforcement operation by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) targeting people who fail to use designated footbridges along Thika Road.

The crackdown, conducted at the Allsops footbridge, saw officers arrest pedestrians accused of crossing the busy highway at undesignated points, obstructing the free flow of traffic and putting lives at risk.

In a statement, the Authority said those arrested will be arraigned at the Milimani Law Courts.

The Authority urged pedestrians to always use designated footbridges and pedestrian crossings, warning that crossing roads at undesignated areas significantly increases the risk of accidents.

"Over 50 pedestrians have been arrested and will be charged at Milimani Law Courts for failing to use the footbridge and obstructing the free flow of traffic," the Authority said.

"Crossing in undesignated areas not only endangers their lives but also puts other road users at risk and disrupts traffic flow.”

The enforcement exercise is part of the Authority's efforts to improve road safety and reduce pedestrian-related accidents on major highways.

The latest arrests come as the authority continues a citywide enforcement campaign that began on July 20.

Speaking during a recent operation, NTSA Assistant Director Brenda Sawe said at least 250 pedestrians had been arrested in Nairobi 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.

The authority later updated that day's arrests to 51 pedestrians. 

Under the Traffic Act, pedestrians who fail to use designated crossing facilities risk fines ranging from Sh500 to Sh5,000 or prosecution for wilfully obstructing the free flow of traffic.

The enforcement campaign has so far targeted several high-risk locations across Nairobi, including Allsops, Buruburu, Nyayo Stadium and now Pipeline, where pedestrians have frequently been found crossing roads at undesignated points despite the availability of footbridges.

NTSA says the operations are informed by road safety data showing that pedestrians account for nearly 38 per cent of all road traffic fatalities in Kenya, making them the single largest category of road users killed in crashes.

The authority has maintained that many of these deaths are preventable if pedestrians consistently use footbridges and designated crossing points.

However, compliance has also been complicated by concerns over the condition, accessibility and security of some footbridges in Nairobi.