22 pedestrians nabbed as NTSA intensifies crackdown on Thika Road
By Kenneth Mwenda, July 21, 2026The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has intensified enforcement against pedestrians who ignore designated crossing points, with 22 people arraigned in court for obstructing traffic at Allsops footbridge in Nairobi.
NTSA said the pedestrians were taken to court after they interfered with the free movement of vehicles at the busy section by failing to use the available footbridge.
The authority said the operation was conducted jointly with the National Police Service (NPS) and the Nairobi City County Government as part of efforts to improve road safety and encourage compliance among pedestrians.
“ A total of 22 pedestrians have been arraigned in court for wilfully obstructing the free flow of traffic at Allsops footbridge. The Authority, in collaboration with NPS and the Nairobi City County, will continue educating pedestrians on safe road use,” NTSA said.
The authority said the enforcement exercise would continue alongside public awareness campaigns aimed at encouraging pedestrians to use footbridges and designated crossing areas.
Pedestrians account for 38% of crashes
NTSA raised concern over the rising involvement of pedestrians in road traffic crashes, saying the group remains among the most vulnerable road users in Kenya.
“As at 30th June 2026, pedestrians accounted for 38 per cent of all road traffic crashes. This is alarming, and ending pedestrian fatalities requires concerted efforts from everyone,” the authority said.
NTSA urged pedestrians to take personal responsibility when using roads, noting that compliance with safety measures was critical in reducing deaths and injuries.
“As the primary road users, pedestrian compliance is vital. Pedestrians must commit to using available footbridges and designated crossings at all times,” NTSA added.
The authority said pedestrians should avoid crossing busy roads at undesignated points, especially where footbridges and marked crossings have already been provided.
Authorities target unsafe road behaviour
The crackdown comes amid continued efforts by road safety agencies to address dangerous behaviour among road users.
Authorities have often raised concerns over pedestrians choosing to cross highways instead of using footbridges, mainly because they want to save time or avoid climbing the structures.
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has previously warned that pedestrians who cross roads beneath footbridges risk penalties ranging from Ksh500 to Ksh5,000.
KeNHA has encouraged road users to prioritise safety rather than convenience when crossing busy roads.
Road safety agencies have also identified pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists as some of the groups most exposed to serious injuries and deaths during crashes.