The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) launched a nationwide operation to clear footbridges and underpasses of hawkers and street families in an effort to enhance pedestrian safety.
The areas have been turned to dens of crime and places for selling wares which keep away pedestrians.
The authority said the move was necessitated by the encroachment of footbridges, which has made them difficult to use and pushed many pedestrians to cross highways at undesignated points, leading to fatal accidents.
“Footbridges are designed to provide safe, efficient, and pleasant passage for pedestrians free from any obstacles. Unfortunately, most footbridges along the highways are now unfeasible to use due to encroachment by hawkers and street families,” KeNHA said.
“This compels pedestrians to cross in undesignated areas which has often resulted in tragic accidents.”
KeNHA said the exercise has begun along the Ruiru–Thika section of the Thika Superhighway.
The operation will also be coordinated by 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 emphasized its commitment to safeguarding road reserves and ensuring the safety of all road users, noting that the clearance will also involve cleaning of the facilities.
“The Authority remains steadfast in her dedication to road safety, safeguarding road reserves, and ensuring safety of all road users,” a statement added.
There has been an outcry over the safety of the bridges.
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