NTSA to Kenyans: Texting can wait, your life can’t while crossing roads
By Aloys Michael, July 31, 2026The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has warned Kenyans against using mobile phones or wearing headphones while crossing roads, saying a moment of distraction can cost a life.
The authority urged pedestrians to stay alert, keep their heads up and always use designated crossing points and footbridges to reduce road accidents.
“Distractions can wait; your life can’t. Avoid using phones or wearing headphones while crossing the road. Keep your head up, stay aware, and use safe designated crossing points. Enjoy chatting and music, but not when crossing,” NTSA wrote on X on Friday, July 31, 2026.
The warning is part of NTSA’s ongoing road safety campaign aimed at reducing pedestrian deaths in Nairobi and across Kenya.
NTSA Assistant Director Brenda Sawe said the authority has arrested 250 pedestrians in Nairobi since July 20 for failing to use designated footbridges and crossing points.
She said the enforcement exercise will continue alongside public education to encourage safer road use and reduce pedestrian accidents.
NTSA said pedestrians remain the most affected group in road crashes across the country.
According to the authority, pedestrians accounted for 38 per cent of all road traffic deaths recorded by June 30, 2026, making them the single largest category of road users killed in crashes.
To improve road safety, NTSA has stepped up operations against pedestrians who ignore footbridges and cross busy highways at undesignated points.
On July 22, the authority arrested and arraigned 22 pedestrians for crossing the busy Allsops section of Thika Road instead of using the available footbridge.
Another operation at Buruburu Interchange led to the arrest of 35 pedestrians accused of crossing the highway at undesignated points.
Two days later, officers arrested another 45 pedestrians during a similar enforcement exercise at the Nyayo Stadium footbridge.
The operations are being carried out jointly by NTSA, the National Police Service and Nairobi City County under the #StepsToZeroPedestrianDeaths campaign.
NTSA said the campaign combines enforcement, public education and safer road infrastructure to encourage pedestrians to use footbridges and designated crossing points.
The authority also warned that distracted walking, including texting, making phone calls or listening to music through headphones while crossing roads, reduces a pedestrian’s ability to notice approaching vehicles, traffic lights and other dangers.