AI IllustrationThe National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has urged pedestrians to avoid using mobile phones or wearing headphones while crossing roads, warning that distractions are contributing to preventable road crashes and fatalities.
NTSA appealed to members of the public to remain alert whenever crossing roads by keeping their heads up, paying attention to traffic and using designated crossing points.
"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 said.
The advisory comes as the authority intensifies its road safety campaign targeting unsafe pedestrian behaviour across Nairobi.
Speaking on Friday, NTSA Assistant Director Brenda Sawe revealed that 250 pedestrians have been arrested in Nairobi since July 20 for failing to use designated footbridges and crossing points, saying enforcement will continue alongside public education to reduce road crashes.
The authority has repeatedly expressed concern over the growing number of pedestrians killed or injured on Kenyan roads, noting that pedestrians remain the single largest group of road users involved in fatal crashes.
According to NTSA, pedestrians accounted for 38 per cent of all road traffic fatalities recorded by June 30, 2026, highlighting the need for greater compliance with road safety regulations.
Over the past two weeks, the authority has carried out several enforcement operations targeting pedestrians who ignore footbridges despite their availability.
On July 22, NTSA arrested and arraigned 22 pedestrians accused of crossing the busy Allsops section of Thika Road instead of using the designated footbridge.
The operation was followed by another crackdown at Buruburu Interchange, where 35 pedestrians were arrested for allegedly crossing the highway at undesignated points.
Two days later, officers arrested another 45 pedestrians at the Nyayo Stadium footbridge during a similar enforcement exercise.
The operations are being conducted jointly by NTSA, the National Police Service and Nairobi City County under the authority's #StepsToZeroPedestrianDeaths campaign, which combines enforcement, public education and safer road infrastructure to reduce pedestrian fatalities.
NTSA says the campaign is aimed at changing behaviour among pedestrians while encouraging the use of 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 pedestrians' ability to notice approaching vehicles, traffic signals and other potential dangers.
Road traffic crashes continue to impose a heavy human and economic burden on the country, with NTSA estimating that accidents cost Kenya about five per cent of its Gross Domestic Product annually.
The authority said reducing pedestrian deaths will require cooperation from all road users, urging Kenyans to remain vigilant whenever using the roads.
"Pedestrian compliance is vital. Using available footbridges and designated crossing points can save lives," the authority said.
