The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has begun a nationwide operation to clear hawkers and street families from footbridges and underpasses in a bid to enhance pedestrian safety.
In a statement on Saturday, Kenha said the exercise was prompted by rising safety concerns, as many footbridges along major highways had become “unfeasible to use due to encroachment.”
The authority noted that the obstruction often forces pedestrians to cross highways at undesignated points, leading to avoidable accidents.
“Footbridges are designed to provide safe, efficient and often pleasant passage for pedestrians free from any obstacles and encumbrances," the authority said.
"Unfortunately, most footbridges along the highways are now unfeasible to use due to encroachment by hawkers and street families."
Kenha added, "This compels pedestrians to cross in undesignated areas which has often resulted in tragic accidents."
The operation kicked off along the Ruiru–Thika section of the Thika Superhighway and will be rolled out across the country.
KeNHA said the exercise will not only remove encroachers but also involve cleaning the footbridges and underpasses.
According to the authority, the exercise is being carried out in collaboration with the National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO), County Governments, the National Police Service, the Axle Load Enforcement Unit (ALEHU), and the Kenha Corridor C team.
Kenha reaffirmed its commitment to road safety and protecting road reserves, adding:
“The Authority remains steadfast in her dedication to road safety, safeguarding road reserves, and ensuring safety of all road users.”
In August, Kenha linked the misuse and underuse of footbridges to numerous road accident injuries and hospital admissions across the country.
Referring to annual reports by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), it said these incidents have remained alarmingly constant.
According to the recent NTSA report, 3,397 people have died in road crashes so far this year.
Pedestrians account for 1,285 deaths.
