Evictions loom as KeNHA gives roadside traders 30 days to vacate 4 major highways

NAIROBI, Kenya - The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has given traders and encroachers 30 days to remove their structures and vacate road reserves along four major highways, according to a notice issued by Director-General Luka Kimeli. The affected roads include Likoni-Ukunda-Lunga Lunga (A7), Kilifi-Malindi-Garsen-Witu (A7), Maili Tisa-Kitale (B14), and Eldoret-Nyaru (B124).

KeNHA stated that all illegal occupants must clear their goods, structures, and encroachments by October 29, 2026, or face having their property removed at their own expense. The clearance aims to create space for planned road improvement works, such as constructing service roads, bus bays, and upgrading drainage systems. These actions are part of KeNHA's performance-based maintenance and road safety improvement programs to alleviate traffic congestion and enhance road visibility and safety for all users.

Failure to comply with the 30-day deadline will result in the authorities removing the structures and goods, with the cost covered by the owners. KeNHA emphasized that unauthorized occupation of road reserves is an offense under Kenyan law, specifically the Kenya Roads Act, 2007, and the Traffic Act, Cap 403. The enforcement of this directive will follow the regulations governing road reserve protection and management, and the expenses incurred will be recovered from the responsible parties.