KeNHA Issues Fresh Directive to Traders and Residents Along 3 Major Roads

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has issued fresh directives to traders, roadside operators and residents to remove all unauthorised structures erected along three major roads.

In a notice dated Tuesday, May 27, 2026, the authority warned that all illegal developments within the road reserves must be removed within 30 days or face demolition.

“The Authority hereby notifies the public and all roadside development operators and traders to remove all structures on the road reserve whose installation is not duly approved,” said KeNHA.

Roads Affected by KeNHA Directive

The directive affects structures along the following roads:

Chebarbar-Lessos-Nabkoi (B12)
Mayoni-Bungoma (B139)
Chepsonoi-Kapsabet (B12)

KeNHA said the notice applies to all individuals and businesses that have encroached on both the old and new road alignments.

Also Read: KeNHA Gives New Directives to Transporters

According to the authority, the targeted structures include makeshift stalls, permanent and semi-permanent buildings, billboards, advertisement signs, directional signs, tree nursery beds and any other developments erected without approval.

30-Day Deadline Issued to Traders and Residents

KeNHA explained that the exercise is aimed at paving the way for road reserve protection activities and ensuring safety along the affected highways.

The agency warned that failure to comply within the 30-day period ending June 26, 2026, will result in forceful removal of the structures without further notice.

KeNHA added that the demolitions will be conducted in line with Clause 49 of the Roads Act, 2007, and costs incurred may be charged to the owners where applicable.

Past Cases of Demolitions

The Authority has, in recent months, intensified efforts to reclaim road reserves across the country as part of ongoing infrastructure protection and road safety measures.

In late January 2026, KeNHA removed unauthorised billboards, directional signs and tree nursery beds along the Waiyaki Way–James Gichuru Road corridor to pave the way for highway expansion and beautification works.

Also Read: KeNHA Moves to Clear Illegal Structures and Traders from Mombasa Road

In February 2026, the authority also demolished hundreds of makeshift kiosks and semi-permanent stalls at Githurai 45 market to allow construction of a modern bus park and dedicated bus bays aimed at reducing traffic congestion and pedestrian accidents.

Following the Githurai operation, KeNHA carried out another enforcement exercise around Roysambu Roundabout, where illegal business structures and perimeter walls on road reserves were brought down to facilitate the construction of a modern passenger picking and dropping station.

The authority also issued eviction notices in several parts of the country, including sections of Thika Superhighway in Kihunguro, Allsops and Delview.

Along the Mtito Andei section of the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway, traders and business owners were given a 21-day ultimatum, which expired on April 8, 2026, to remove all encroachments along the service road and drainage improvement works.

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