KeNHA Issues 30-Day Demolition Notice to Traders on Major Mt Kenya Link Road

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has officially issued a 30-day ultimatum to traders and individuals who have set up informal structures along the B65 road. The directive targets those encroaching on road reserves within the Mt Kenya region, specifically along a critical corridor that serves as a primary link between three counties.

According to notices issued by the authority, all illegal structures, including kiosks, permanent extensions, and billboards placed within the designated road reserve, must be cleared by the end of May. KeNHA officials stated that the exercise is necessary to reclaim public land that has been gradually occupied by private business interests over several years.

The B65 road is considered a vital artery for the transport of agricultural produce and consumer goods. However, the proliferation of roadside markets and unauthorized settlements has led to increased congestion and a higher frequency of accidents involving pedestrians and motorists.

KeNHA personnel were seen on site marking various buildings and signboards with red paint, signaling their scheduled removal. Among the structures marked for demolition are church signposts, market stalls, and perimeter fences that extend beyond private property boundaries.

This move comes at a time when the government is prioritizing the protection of public infrastructure assets. The authority noted that these encroachments often obstruct drainage systems, leading to rapid road deterioration during heavy rains, which increases the long-term maintenance costs for taxpayers.

Beyond immediate safety issues, the clearing of these reserves is a prerequisite for future road expansion projects. Engineering teams require unhindered access to the road margins to conduct surveys and begin preliminary works for planned upgrades intended to handle growing traffic volumes in the region.

Traders who fail to comply with the notice within the stipulated 30-day window face forceful eviction. KeNHA clarified that it will not offer compensation for structures built illegally on road reserves, as these occupants are in violation of the Kenya Roads Act.

Local business owners have expressed concern over the short notice, citing the potential loss of livelihoods. Many have operated along these stretches for years without interference, leading to a sense of permanence that the current enforcement action is now challenging.

The enforcement exercise is expected to be replicated across other major highways where encroachment has become a systemic issue. KeNHA has urged the public to respect road boundaries to avoid losses associated with the demolition of structures built on restricted land.