Pangani footbridge: Daredevil pedestrians risk life and limb trying to save minutes

The spot is just at the base of the elaborate Pangani footbridge in Nairobi.

According to witnesses, a number of pedestrians have been ran over while attempting to cross in a huff.

Many people are reportedly avoiding using the footbridge claiming the structure is too long and winding, therefore taking away precious minutes.

“It is a very dangerous spot. There are days when traffic police are stationed at the spot to stop people from crossing. This, however, has not really helped,” said James Waweru, a resident of Pangani.

“Some people claim that using the winding footbridge consumes a lot of energy and time,” said Waweru.
This side of the Thika Superhighway is used by vehicles travelling from the general direction of Nairobi town, heading towards Thika.

Just last week, a pedestrian was rammed by a speeding motorcycle while attempting to cross the road at the dangerous spot.
“The man broke his right leg, and an ambulance had to be called to rush him to hospital. He was very lucky to be alive,” said Waweru.

Pedestrians using the highway have been urged to use the footbridge to avoid exposing themselves to danger.

Attempts by traffic police officers to arrest pedestrians who defiantly avoid the footbridge have not really mitigated the situation.

Reports indicate that mkokoteni users too use the dangerous spot when ferrying goods from one side of the road to the other, posing great danger to motorists and themselves.

According to data released by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) in August this year, pedestrians recorded the highest number of deaths in road accidents since the start of 2024.

The same data showed that at least 3,056 lives were lost on the Kenyan roads between January 1 and August 27, 2024.

As Kenyans enter the festive period, pedestrians, motorists and other road users must observe safety when using the roads.