NTSA crackdown: Pedestrians arrested for ignoring Pipeline Transami footbridge
By Katemarthason Okudo, August 18, 2026The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has arrested several pedestrians for violating traffic rules at the Taj Mall Transami Footbridge in Nairobi.
In an update shared on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, NTSA said a pedestrian enforcement operation was underway at the footbridge, targeting individuals who fail to use designated crossing points.
“Pedestrian enforcement is currently underway at Tajmall Transami footbridge. Several pedestrians have been arrested for flouting traffic rules and will be presented to court,” NTSA stated.
The authority said the crackdown is aimed at improving pedestrian safety and ensuring the smooth flow of traffic along the busy road. NTSA urged pedestrians to use designated footbridges and approved crossing points when crossing roads, warning that crossing at undesignated areas exposes them and other road users to danger.
“The Authority urges pedestrians to use designated footbridges and crossing at all times, as crossing in undesignated areas not only endangers their lives but also puts other road users at risk and disrupts free flow of traffic,” the authority said.
Pedestrians account for 38% of road crash victims
The latest enforcement comes amid concerns over the high number of pedestrians affected by road crashes in Kenya. According to NTSA, pedestrians accounted for about 38 per cent of all road traffic crash victims as of June 30, 2026.
The figure has prompted the authority to intensify enforcement while encouraging pedestrians to use footbridges, zebra crossings and other designated crossing points. NTSA has continued to warn that crossing busy roads at undesignated areas can expose pedestrians to fatal crashes while also forcing motorists to make sudden stops or manoeuvres.
What offence are pedestrians being charged with?
Contrary to popular belief, pedestrians arrested during such operations are not charged with a generic offence known as “jaywalking”. The charges are instead based on the Traffic Act (Cap. 403) and the Traffic (Minor Offences) Rules, 2016 (Legal Notice No. 161 of 2016).
Specifically, pedestrians can be charged under Sections 90(2)(c) and 94 for wilfully obstructing the free passage of vehicles. The offence applies where a pedestrian crosses a road in a manner that interferes with the smooth movement of traffic, particularly on busy or high-speed roads where designated crossing infrastructure is available.
The Traffic (Minor Offences) Rules provide for a statutory penalty of Ksh500 for the offence. However, during the ongoing crackdown, NTSA said offenders are being arrested and taken to court rather than being issued with an on-the-spot ticket.
The enforcement at Taj Mall Transami serves as a reminder to pedestrians to use available footbridges and designated crossings, particularly along busy roads where crossing at undesignated points can put multiple road users at risk.