Government to Construct Footbridges on Key Nairobi Roads to Reduce Pedestrian Deaths
Nairobi, 19 December 2023
The Kenyan government has announced plans to construct footbridges on Thika Superhighway, Wayiaki Way, and Southern Bypass to curb pedestrian fatalities. Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the move is aimed at enhancing pedestrian safety and mobility on high-risk roads.
According to Murkomen, four locations on Wayiaki Way have been identified for footbridge construction: Westlands Consolata area, Westlands bus stage, Chiromo Lane on Riverside Drive, and the Association for Physically Disabled of Kenya. The Chiromo footbridge is part of KeNHA’s five-year strategic plan (2023–2028), with construction to start once funding is available. Meanwhile, speed-calming measures, including rumble strips, humps, and signage, are being installed to improve pedestrian safety.
The announcement follows a report that 3,999 people died in road accidents between January and 7 December 2023. Of these, 1,451 were pedestrians, 358 drivers, 682 passengers, 363 pillion passengers, 83 pedal cyclists, and 1,062 motorcyclists. Murkomen noted that most accidents were caused by private motorists, with pedal cyclist fatalities linked to speeding, unsafe lane changes, mobile phone use, and lack of reflective gear.
In addition to infrastructure improvements, the CS said the government plans to retrain and retest drivers, revamp driving school curricula, digitize vehicle inspections, and implement health-based testing for drivers to reduce road accidents further. These measures aim to improve overall road safety and reduce preventable deaths in Nairobi.