Kenya: 22 Pedestrians Arraigned in Nairobi Over Illegal Thika Road Crossings

What the report says

AllAfrica, republishing a Capital FM report by Spencer Walela, reported that 22 pedestrians were arrested and taken to court in Nairobi after allegedly crossing the Thika Superhighway at Allsops away from a designated crossing point. The incident was reported on July 21, 2026, amid renewed enforcement against risky pedestrian behavior on major roads where footbridges are available.

According to the report, the National Transport and Safety Authority said the arrests followed a joint operation involving NTSA, the National Police Service and Nairobi City County. The accused were charged under Section 90(2)(c) of Kenya’s Traffic Act with crossing at an undesignated place and deliberately blocking the free movement of traffic. The article said minor traffic rules provide for pedestrian fines beginning at Sh500, with courts able to order higher penalties depending on the case; non-payment can lead to jail terms.

NTSA framed the operation as part of a wider national effort combining enforcement and public education to reduce pedestrian-related crashes. The authority said the focus is on people crossing high-speed, multi-lane roads despite nearby footbridges, creating danger for themselves and for motorists who may be forced into sudden braking or swerving.

The crackdown comes as officials point to pedestrians as the largest group of road fatalities in Kenya. Capital FM cited NTSA Director General Nashon Kondiwa as saying pedestrians made up 836 of 2,150 road deaths recorded in the first half of 2026, or 38 percent of deaths by June 30. The authority also estimated that road crashes cost Kenya about Sh450 billion annually in lost output, warning of a growing economic burden if trends continue.