KeNHA Launches National Operation to Clear Footbridges, Citing 40% Pedestrian Accident Surge

Nairobi, Kenya – September 20, 2025 (EAT).

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has launched a nationwide operation to reclaim footbridges and underpasses from hawkers, street families, and illegal structures, citing a direct link between blocked pedestrian pathways and rising road accidents.

Key Highlights

• Target: All major footbridges and underpasses across Kenya

• Reason: Encroachment has forced pedestrians to cross highways directly, contributing to a 40% rise in pedestrian accidents

• Lead Operation Zone: Ruiru–Thika section of the Thika Superhighway, before expanding nationwide

• Partners: County governments, National Police Service, and administrative officers

Official Statement

KeNHA said footbridges were designed to guarantee safe, efficient pedestrian movement but have been rendered unusable due to illegal occupation by vendors and shelters for street families.

“The operation will restore footbridges to their original purpose, improve safety, and prevent fatalities linked to highway crossings,” the statement read.

Why It Matters

• Safety Impact: Blocked footbridges have forced pedestrians to risk crossing busy highways, contributing to accidents and deaths.

• Urban Order: The clearances will also address growing congestion around transport hubs and commercial centres.

• Maintenance Plans: KeNHA will clean and repair cleared bridges to make them safer and more accessible.

Next Steps & Enforcement

• The operation will be rolled out nationwide after the Ruiru–Thika phase.

• Repeat offenders who return to cleared structures risk legal action under road safety and public order laws.

• County governments will conduct public awareness campaigns to encourage use of designated crossings.

Wider Context

• Urbanisation Pressure: Kenya’s cities have seen rapid growth in foot traffic, often overwhelming existing pedestrian infrastructure.

• Past Efforts: Previous attempts to enforce footbridge use failed due to weak enforcement and lack of maintenance funding.

• National Road Safety Plan: The operation aligns with Kenya’s Vision 2030 goal of reducing road fatalities through better infrastructure and public compliance.

What to Watch

• Public response from hawker associations and urban commuter groups

• Data on pedestrian accident reduction after clearance operations

• County government collaboration in maintenance and enforcement