The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has given occupants of roadside structures until October 29, 2026, to remove their goods and vacate the road reserves to pave the way for service road improvements, bus bays and drainage rehabilitation along four major roads.
In a notice issued on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, by KeNHA Director General Luka Kimeli, traders were given 30 days to vacate the road reserves.
“KeNHA hereby notifies all illegal roadside occupants, including traders and unauthorized structures, along the listed roads to remove their structures and vacate the road reserves,” the notice states.
The directive will affect roadside traders and other occupants of roadside structures along four major roads.
According to KeNHA, the directive targets structures along the Likoni-Ukunda-Lunga Lunga (A7) Road linking Kwale and Mombasa counties, Kilifi-Malindi-Garsen-Witu (A7) Road connecting Kilifi, Tana River and Lamu counties, Maili Tisa-Kitale (B14) Road and Eldoret-Nyaru (B124) Road.
KeNHA warned that structures remaining on the road reserves after the deadline will be removed at the owners’ cost.
“Upon the expiry of the 30 days, Thursday, October 29, 2026, any structures or goods remaining within the road reserves shall be removed without further reference to the owners,” the notice warned.
KeNHA noted that the directive has been issued to pave the way for planned service road improvements, construction of bus bays and drainage rehabilitation along the mentioned routes.
KeNHA also stated that the removal exercise will be carried out in accordance with laws governing the protection and management of road reserves, with affected owners required to meet the associated costs.
“Illegal occupation of the road reserves is an offence under the Kenyan laws, including the Kenya Roads Act, 2007, and the Traffic Act, Cap 403,” the notice said.
KeNHA Director General Luka Kimeli urged all affected occupants to comply with the directive within the stated period to allow for the maintenance and safety improvement works to proceed.
– By John Murunga
