The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has reported a decline in pedestrian fatalities in July 2026, attributing the drop to intensified enforcement and compliance checks targeting road users who fail to use designated crossing points.
In a statement issued on August 17, the Authority said 146 pedestrians died in road accidents in July 2026 compared to 178 during the same period last year, marking a reduction of 32 deaths.
The figures represent a 17.98 percent decline in pedestrian fatalities.
NTSA said the improvement followed ongoing enforcement operations conducted jointly with the Traffic Police to encourage pedestrians to use designated crossing points, including footbridges, and obey traffic regulations.
The agency has in recent weeks intensified a crackdown on pedestrians crossing busy roads at undesignated points despite the availability of footbridges, with hundreds arrested and arraigned in court in Nairobi.
According to NTSA, pedestrians remain among the most vulnerable road users, accounting for a significant share of road crash fatalities across the country.
The Authority said enforcement efforts, public awareness campaigns and improved compliance among pedestrians have contributed to the decline in deaths.
“We attribute this decline to among other interventions, the ongoing enforcement efforts aimed at encouraging pedestrians to use designated crossing points and comply with traffic rules,” NTSA said.
NTSA Road Safety Campaign
The latest figures come amid an ongoing campaign by NTSA and the National Police Service targeting pedestrians who ignore footbridges and other designated crossing facilities.
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The enforcement drive has been carried out in several high-risk locations in Nairobi, including Allsops, Nyayo Stadium, Buruburu and Pipeline, where authorities say non-compliance has contributed to pedestrian-related crashes.
Under the Traffic Act, pedestrians who fail to use designated crossing facilities risk fines and prosecution for obstructing the free flow of traffic.
NTSA has maintained that crossing roads at undesignated points not only endangers pedestrians but also puts motorists and other road users at risk.
The Authority urged all pedestrians to use footbridges, obey traffic signals and prioritise their safety while using roads.
Despite the decline, NTSA said more efforts are needed to reduce fatalities among vulnerable road users.
The Authority called on pedestrians to make use of available crossing infrastructure and comply with road safety regulations at all times.
NTSA said sustained enforcement, public education and greater compliance with traffic laws remain critical in reducing road deaths and injuries as the country pursues its road safety targets.
Tougher Road Safety Regime
The drop in pedestrian fatalities comes as Kenya implements sweeping road safety reforms to reduce crashes and improve compliance across the transport sector.
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Among the key changes is the Traffic (Motor Vehicle Inspection) Rules, 2026, which took effect on July 1 and require private vehicles older than four years to undergo mandatory inspections to determine their roadworthiness.
Vehicles that pass the checks receive inspection stickers, while non-compliance could attract penalties.
The government has also introduced the National Transport and Safety (Operation of Commercial Vehicles) Regulations, 2026, which impose stricter licensing, operational, and safety requirements on commercial vehicle operators.
The regulations strengthen oversight of safety equipment and driver conduct to improve accountability in the sector.
Other reforms include new drink-driving rules that establish enforceable alcohol limits for motorists and updated school transport regulations designed to enhance the safety of learners during transit.
NTSA says the measures form part of a broader strategy to reduce road fatalities, injuries and economic losses associated with crashes.
Pedestrians account for about 38 per cent of all road crash fatalities in the country, according to the Authority.
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