The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has issued a 30-day ultimatum to traders and other illegal occupants along four major roads to remove their structures and vacate road reserves. The directive, issued by Director-General Luka Kimeli, targets the Likoni-Ukunda-Lunga Lunga (A7) Road, Kilifi-Malindi-Garsen-Witu (A7) Road, Maili Tisa-Kitale (B14) Road, and Eldoret-Nyaru (B124) Road. Affected occupants must remove their goods, structures, and other encroachments by Thursday, October 29, 2026.
The exercise aims to pave the way for planned service road improvements, construction of bus bays, and rehabilitation of drainage systems along the affected routes. These projects are part of ongoing performance-based maintenance and road safety enhancement works aimed at improving visibility, easing traffic congestion, and enhancing safety for motorists and other road users. The planned works are necessary to improve the condition and safety of the roads while addressing congestion and drainage challenges.
KeNHA stated that illegal occupation of road reserves is an offence under Kenyan laws, including the Kenya Roads Act, 2007, and the Traffic Act, Cap 403. The authority warned that any structures, goods, or other items remaining within the road reserves after the expiry of the 30-day notice would be removed without further reference to their owners. The cost of the exercise would be charged to the owners, and the removal would be undertaken in accordance with laws and regulations governing the protection and management of road reserves.
The authority urged all affected occupants to comply with the directive within the stipulated period to allow the planned maintenance and safety improvement works to proceed. Failure to comply risks having property removed at the owner's cost. KeNHA emphasized that the directive targets all illegal roadside occupants, including traders and unauthorized structures, along the listed roads.
The four roads targeted by the directive are critical links in Kenya's transportation network. The Likoni-Ukunda-Lunga Lunga (A7) Road and Kilifi-Malindi-Garsen-Witu (A7) Road connect major coastal towns, while the Maili Tisa-Kitale (B14) Road and Eldoret-Nyaru (B124) Road link rural areas to urban centers. The planned improvements are expected to enhance the overall condition and safety of these roads.
KeNHA's move is part of a broader effort to maintain and improve Kenya's road network. The authority has been working to enhance road safety and reduce congestion through various initiatives, including performance-based maintenance and road safety enhancement works. The planned works along the four targeted roads are expected to contribute to these efforts.
The 30-day notice period allows affected occupants sufficient time to vacate the road reserves and remove their structures and goods. KeNHA's directive is a reminder of the importance of adhering to Kenyan laws and regulations governing road reserves. The authority's efforts to enforce these laws aim to promote road safety and maintain the condition of Kenya's roads.
Key points
- KeNHA has given traders 30 days to vacate road reserves along four major roads.
- The directive aims to pave the way for planned service road improvements and road safety enhancement works.
- Failure to comply risks having property removed at the owner's cost.
