NTSA footbridge arrests explained: What the law actually says
By William Muthama, August 4, 2026Hundreds of pedestrians have been arrested across Nairobi in an ongoing crackdown by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), with many Kenyans questioning whether it is actually illegal to cross a road without using a footbridge.
The enforcement operation, carried out in collaboration with the National Police Service and Nairobi City County, has targeted busy locations including Allsops on Thika Superhighway, Nyayo Stadium on Mombasa Road, the Buruburu–Mutindwa Interchange, Pangani and General Motors.
By the end of July, NTSA said at least 250 pedestrians had been arraigned in Nairobi alone.
The crackdown follows growing concerns over pedestrian safety. According to NTSA, pedestrians accounted for about 38% of all road traffic crash victims in Kenya as of June 30, 2026, prompting the authority to intensify enforcement while encouraging the use of footbridges, zebra crossings and other designated crossing points.
What offence are pedestrians being charged with?
Contrary to popular belief, those arrested are not being charged with a generic offence known as “jaywalking.”
Instead, the charge is grounded in the Traffic Act (Cap. 403) and the Traffic (Minor Offences) Rules, 2016 (Legal Notice No. 161 of 2016). Specifically, pedestrians are charged under Sections 90(2)(c) and 94 with willfully 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 high-speed roads where designated crossing infrastructure is available.
The Traffic (Minor Offences) Rules list the offence as carrying a statutory penalty of Ksh 500. However, during the current crackdown, offenders are generally arrested and arraigned in court rather than issued with an on-the-spot ticket.
In practice, reports linked to the ongoing operations indicate that courts may impose fines ranging from Ksh 500 to Ksh 5,000, depending on the circumstances of each case and the court’s determination.
Does the law require pedestrians to use footbridges?
The law does not expressly prohibit pedestrians from crossing roads anywhere other than a footbridge.
Instead, it criminalises conduct that willfully obstructs traffic or creates unnecessary danger to road users. In practice, crossing beneath or beside a footbridge, or attempting to cross a busy dual carriageway away from designated crossing points, is considered likely to obstruct vehicles and increase the risk of crashes.
NTSA says the operation is part of its “Steps to Zero Pedestrian Deaths” campaign, which combines enforcement with public education.
The authority argues that ignoring footbridges, zebra crossings and other designated crossing points forces motorists to brake suddenly or swerve, increasing the likelihood of serious or fatal accidents.
“The authority urges pedestrians to use designated footbridges/crossings at all times as crossing in undesignated areas not only endangers their lives but also puts other road users at risk and disrupts traffic,” Ntsa said.