The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has renewed calls for clear pedestrian walkways, warning that hawking on footbridges obstructs movement and endangers lives.

In a post on X on February 18, 2026, the NTSA warned that hawking along footbridges obstructs pedestrian movement and creates safety risks. The authority urged the public to ensure that walkways remain clear and accessible for everyone, emphasising the importance of keeping these areas safe for all road users.

“Hawking along the footbridges obstructs movement and puts pedestrians at risk. Let’s keep the walkways clear and safe for everyone.”

The warning forms part of the ongoing #UsalamaBarabarani campaign, highlighting the persistent problem of vendors turning footbridges into trading zones.

Previous nationwide crackdown

The NTSA reminder comes months after the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) launched a nationwide operation to remove hawkers and street families from footbridges and underpasses.

In a statement issued on September 19, 2025, KeNHA emphasised that footbridges are meant to provide “safe, efficient and often pleasant passage for pedestrians free from any obstacles and encumbrances.”

“Unfortunately, most footbridges along the highways are now unfeasible to use due to encroachment by hawkers and street families. This compels pedestrians to cross in undesignated areas, which has often resulted in tragic accidents,” the authority noted.

The operation, which began along the Ruiru–Thika section of the Thika Superhighway and later expanded nationwide, involved removing encroachers, cleaning the structures, and restoring accessibility.

The initiative was carried out in collaboration with National Government Administrative Officers, county governments, the National Police Service, the Axle Load Enforcement Unit, and KeNHA teams.

Footbridge safety and ongoing challenges

KeNHA reaffirmed its commitment to road safety, stating: “The Authority remains steadfast in her dedication to road safety, safeguarding road reserves, and ensuring the safety of all road users.”

Earlier in August 2025, the authority linked misuse and underuse of footbridges to persistent pedestrian injuries and fatalities, citing NTSA annual reports showing constant incident rates.

Despite the 2025 initiative, encroachments appear to have resurfaced in several areas, prompting NTSA’s renewed reminder.

Authorities continue to urge the public to use designated crossings while calling for sustained enforcement and alternative livelihoods for affected traders.

Clean, unobstructed footbridges remain critical to reducing the risks associated with highway crossings and ensuring pedestrian safety across the country.