The government has given traders and businesses operating on road reserves along national highways a 30-day notice to clear all unlawful structures. This includes billboards, advertisements, directional signs, and any other developments that were put up without approval.
The warning was issued through the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) in a notice published on Tuesday, November 25, where the authority stated that the continuous encroachment of road reserves has become a serious concern and a threat to the safety of road users.
KeNHA said that road reserves are meant to remain clear for the safe movement of vehicles and pedestrians, but many people have turned these spaces into business areas or advertising grounds.
In the notice signed by the acting Director General, Luka Kimeli, the authority directed all owners of unapproved or unrenewed structures to remove them within thirty days.
The notice stressed that anyone who fails to act within this period will face enforcement measures, which include demolition of the structures and recovery of costs involved.
The authority explained that the cleanup is part of a wider effort to protect highways and ensure free and safe passage for all users. KeNHA encouraged those who may have questions or doubts about the exercise to visit its offices for clarification.
It added that while some people may feel inconvenienced, the long-term goal is to reduce road hazards, improve visibility, and keep public infrastructure safe from misuse.
Recent events show that the authorities are becoming stricter in dealing with encroachment cases. Earlier in August, five Kenyans were taken to court in Mombasa after they were accused of occupying a road reserve along the Mombasa–Nairobi highway without permission.
According to court documents, the group had ignored several notices issued in April, directing them to vacate the area. KeNHA noted that their actions went against Section 49(1)(a), as read with Section 49(6), of the Kenya Roads Act, which clearly prohibits unlawful use of road reserves.
The authority said the case should serve as a reminder that such violations will not be tolerated.
These fresh instructions from KeNHA also come shortly after the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) announced in September that it would remove illegal signboards and other installations along the Eastern Bypass Corridor.
KURA said many of these structures were poorly placed, blocked visibility, affected the appearance of the area, and posed a danger to both pedestrians and motorists.
Authorities now say that clearing the road reserves is an essential step toward improving road safety and protecting public infrastructure.
With the 30-day deadline now in place, businesses and traders have been urged to comply to avoid penalties and ensure that national highways remain safe and accessible for everyone.
