The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has issued a notice requiring roadside traders and owners of unauthorised structures along four major highways to clear their goods and buildings from road reserves within 30 days. The directive affects sections of the Likoni-Ukunda-Lunga Lunga (A7), Kilifi-Malindi-Garsen-Witu (A7), Maili Tisa-Kitale (B14), and Eldoret-Nyaru (B124) roads. This move aims to allow planned works, including improvements to service roads, construction of bus bays, and rehabilitation of drainage systems.
The planned works are part of performance-based maintenance and road safety improvement projects being carried out along the affected routes. KeNHA stated that these projects are expected to improve road safety and visibility, reduce traffic congestion, and enhance the movement of motorists and pedestrians. The authority has given those affected time to remove their belongings and structures before enforcement begins. The 30-day period ends on Thursday, October 29, 2026.
KeNHA warned that any goods or structures left within the road reserves after the deadline will be cleared without further notice to the owners. The removal will be carried out in line with laws and regulations governing the protection and management of road reserves. Owners of the structures and goods removed will be required to meet the cost of the exercise. KeNHA emphasised that occupying road reserves without authorisation is an offence under Kenyan law, citing the Kenya Roads Act, 2007, and the Traffic Act, Cap 403.
The notice covers illegal roadside occupants, including traders and owners of unauthorised structures established along the listed highways. KeNHA Director General Eng. Luka Kimeli urged all affected occupants to comply with the notice and clear the road reserves before the enforcement deadline. The authority is undertaking road maintenance and safety improvement works across the country, with road reserves protected under Kenyan law to provide space for infrastructure development and support the safe movement of motorists and pedestrians.
The directive comes as KeNHA continues to undertake road maintenance and safety improvement works across the country. Members of the public seeking clarification on the notice can contact KeNHA through its toll-free line, 0800-211-244, or customer care number 0700 423 606. The authority aims to improve road safety and visibility along the roads and ease traffic movement.
The planned maintenance and safety works will also help improve visibility along the roads and ease traffic movement. Roadside traders and owners of unauthorised structures have until October 29, 2026, to remove their goods and structures. Failure to comply will result in the authority taking action to clear the road reserves.
The Kenya National Highways Authority is mandated to manage and maintain the country's highways. KeNHA's move to clear road reserves is part of its efforts to ensure road safety and improve infrastructure. The authority's efforts aim to enhance the overall transportation experience for motorists and pedestrians.
Key points
- Roadside traders and owners of unauthorised structures have 30 days to clear goods and structures from road reserves along four major highways.
- The directive aims to allow planned works, including improvements to service roads, construction of bus bays, and rehabilitation of drainage systems.
- Failure to comply will result in the authority taking action to clear the road reserves at the owners' expense.
