This archive report was first published on 14 October 2019.
Footbridges in Nairobi Turned into Mugging Zones ¶
Published on October 14, 2019
Footbridges in Nairobi have become hotspots for mugging and other criminal activities, posing a significant risk to pedestrians, especially at night.
According to eyewitnesses, pedestrians often avoid using footbridges, opting instead to cross the road by jumping over guard rails. This is due to the high incidence of mugging and other crimes on these bridges.
Mr. Peter Ogeto, a resident of Mathare, shared his experience of witnessing a woman being attacked by a gang on a footbridge. The attackers ran to the other side of the bridge and disappeared into the slums, leaving the woman to wail for minutes without any assistance.
"It is a hideout for criminals. You go up the bridge and in very few minutes you will find yourself in the midst of a gang who will viciously attack you," Ogeto said.
Mr. Caleb Kariuki, a shop owner near the Roysambu stage footbridge, has also witnessed several incidents of gangs attacking members of the public on the footbridge at night. He believes that the footbridges have become a norm for mugging and other crimes.
"The idea of putting up footbridges is good for preventing road accidents but the thought of being confronted by muggers in the footbridge is very scary," Kariuki said.
Other footbridges in Nairobi, including those in Weitethie, Kariokor, and Ruiru, have also become infamous for mugging incidents. The Kenya Railways bridge, which connects South B estate to the city centre, is another example of a footbridge that has become a hideout for muggers.
However, not all footbridges in Nairobi are considered safe. The Kahawa Wendani footbridge, located outside Kahawa Barracks along the Thika Superhighway, is one such example. According to Noel Achieng, a Kenyatta University student who lives in the area, the footbridge is very safe to use.
The Kenya National Highway Authority has announced plans to erect additional footbridges along the Thika Superhighway, including those at the Survey of Kenya, Witeithie, Mang'u, and Garden Estate area. The project is expected to cost the government over Sh 800 million.
