NTSA arrests pedestrians at Taj Mall as Nairobi crackdown on highway crossings intensifies

Nairobi, Kenya - The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has apprehended several pedestrians at Taj Mall in Transami for disobeying designated crossing points, as authorities ramp up measures to curb unsafe highway crossings in the city. The arrests occurred during a pedestrian enforcement operation at the Taj Mall footbridge, where NTSA officials found individuals violating traffic rules by crossing the busy road at unauthorized points.

The arrested individuals are set to face court proceedings, reflecting an intensification of the NTSA's campaign to enforce pedestrian traffic regulations at critical highways and other hazardous locations.

The authority has been urging pedestrians to utilize designated footbridges and marked crossing points, cautioning that crossing highways in unauthorized locations poses threats to their safety and endangers other road users. NTSA emphasized that such actions not only jeopardize the lives of those involved but also disrupt the smooth flow of traffic.

This enforcement operation is part of a broader initiative targeting pedestrians who cross major roads at designated areas where footbridges or other facilities are provided. Recent joint operations with the National Police Service have been conducted at several busy Nairobi locations, including the Eastern Bypass, Thika Road, Pipeline-Transami, Buruburu, and areas surrounding Nyayo Stadium.

On August 10, over 50 pedestrians were arrested at the Allsops footbridge along Thika Road after they were found crossing the highway instead of using the designated crossing.

NTSA has warned that the crackdown will persist, aiming to decrease pedestrian fatalities, enhance compliance with traffic laws, and mitigate congestion caused by unsafe road crossings. Pedestrians are recognized as Kenya's most vulnerable road users, often accounting for a substantial share of road crash fatalities. However, the enforcement drive has also brought to light persistent issues regarding the accessibility and upkeep of some pedestrian facilities in Nairobi.

Concerns have been voiced about poor lighting, insecurity, inadequate maintenance, and sanitation on certain footbridges, as well as the lack of ramps, lifts, or accessible infrastructure for the elderly and individuals with disabilities. Longer staircases have also been criticized for being challenging to navigate, especially when carrying heavy loads.

NTSA maintains that pedestrians are obligated to adhere to designated crossing rules where facilities are available. The enforcement operations will continue alongside public awareness campaigns, encouraging pedestrians to prioritize safety and that of fellow road users by using footbridges and marked crossings.