By perez karisa | August 1, 2026
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has urged pedestrians to avoid using mobile phones or wearing headphones while crossing roads, warning that digital distractions are contributing to the rising number of road accidents involving pedestrians.
In a road safety advisory, the authority said many road crashes involving pedestrians could be prevented if people remained fully alert while crossing busy roads. NTSA noted that activities such as texting, browsing social media or listening to music reduce a person’s ability to see or hear approaching vehicles, increasing the risk of fatal accidents.
The authority emphasized that road safety is a shared responsibility, reminding pedestrians that protecting their lives requires constant awareness and adherence to traffic rules.
NTSA advised Kenyans to put away their mobile phones and remove earphones before crossing any road to ensure they can clearly observe traffic from all directions.
The authority also encouraged pedestrians to use designated crossing points such as zebra crossings, footbridges and signal-controlled intersections whenever available, saying these facilities are designed to improve pedestrian safety.
In addition, pedestrians were urged to make eye contact with drivers before crossing to ensure motorists have noticed them and have stopped where necessary.
For areas without sidewalks, NTSA advised members of the public to walk facing oncoming traffic, allowing them to spot approaching vehicles early and take appropriate action if danger arises.
The authority reiterated that reducing road accidents requires cooperation between motorists, cyclists and pedestrians, urging all road users to remain vigilant and observe traffic regulations to save lives.
