NTSA Crackdown: Penalties for Pedestrians Caught Jaywalking in Nairobi
Pedestrians who ignore designated footbridges along Nairobi’s busy highways are increasingly finding themselves before the courts after the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) stepped up enforcement against illegal road crossings.
The latest operation, conducted on July 22, 2026, saw dozens of people arrested near the Nyayo Stadium footbridge on Mombasa Road as authorities intensified efforts to improve road safety.
Confirming the operation, NTSA said, “A total of 45 pedestrians have been arraigned in court after they were arrested for willfully obstructing the free flow of traffic at the Nyayo Stadium footbridge along Mombasa Road.”
The crackdown forms part of a wider campaign targeting pedestrians who cross busy highways instead of using elevated walkways provided for their safety.
Crossing Outside Footbridges Is a Traffic Offence
Under Kenyan traffic laws and relevant county bylaws, pedestrians are prohibited from crossing roads directly beneath or close to overhead footbridges.
Anyone found guilty of obstructing traffic can face fines ranging from Ksh500 to Ksh5,000, while courts may also impose short custodial sentences depending on the circumstances of the offence.
NTSA reminded members of the public that “Crossing beside or under a footbridge is illegal and attracts fines or arrest.”
NTSA Links Jaywalking to Rising Road Deaths
The authority says the enforcement drive is intended to reduce the number of pedestrian fatalities recorded every year on Kenyan roads.
According to official statistics, pedestrians account for nearly 38 per cent of all road traffic crash deaths nationwide, making them one of the most vulnerable groups on the country’s roads.
Explaining the need for tougher enforcement, NTSA stated, “Jaywalking is one of the leading causes of preventable pedestrian deaths.”
To address the problem, NTSA officers are working alongside the National Police Service to conduct regular operations on major highways, including Mombasa Road and Thika Road.
Why NTSA Wants Pedestrians to Use Footbridges
Transport authorities say footbridges provide a safe separation between pedestrians and fast-moving traffic, significantly reducing the risk of fatal collisions.
NTSA notes that using these structures offers “Full Protection: Complete separation from traffic at all times” while promoting “Safety for Everyone, especially children and senior citizens.”
The agency also warned that motorists, particularly drivers of heavy commercial vehicles and public service buses, often have limited reaction time when pedestrians suddenly enter the roadway.
Highlighting the danger, NTSA said footbridges help reduce the risk associated with “Driver Blind Spots: Vehicles cannot stop in time when you suddenly step onto the road.”
Multi-Agency Enforcement to Continue
Authorities have indicated that similar operations will continue across Nairobi’s busiest transport corridors as part of broader efforts to improve compliance with traffic laws and reduce preventable road deaths.
Urging the public to prioritise safety over convenience, NTSA concluded with a simple message: “Never risk your life. Always use the footbridge.”
The agency also reminded pedestrians that “Your life matters more than a shortcut.”
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