KeNHA Issues Seven-Day Ultimatum for Thika Road Expansion

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has issued a formal seven-day notice to all roadside traders operating along major sections of the Thika Superhighway, directing them to vacate road reserves immediately. The directive, dated February 23, 2026, targets individuals and businesses situated at Kihunguro, Allsops, and the Delview sections. According to the public notice, the clearance is a mandatory requirement to facilitate the construction of designated roadside stations designed to improve the functionality and safety of the transport corridor.

Eng. Luka Kimeli, the Director General of KeNHA, stated that the move is part of the authority’s broader road safety improvement initiatives. These initiatives aim to reduce the frequency of accidents, restore order within the road reserve, and ensure an unobstructed flow of traffic. The upcoming roadside stations are intended to provide organized spaces for transport activities, which the authority believes will alleviate the chronic traffic congestion that often plagues these specific sections of the highway.

The notice specifically requires traders on both bounds of the highway at Kihunguro and Allsops, alongside those at the Delview section, to remove their wares and any temporary structures within the one-week window. This enforcement phase follows a similar exercise conducted in the Githurai area, where KeNHA initiated the clearance of illegal structures to pave the way for a modern bus park. The authority has maintained that such encroachments pose significant safety risks to both motorists and pedestrians, particularly in high-density market zones.

From a construction and engineering perspective, the development of these roadside stations is expected to modernize the highway’s infrastructure by introducing designated bus bays and service lanes. This prevents public service vehicles from obstructing the main carriageway while picking up or dropping off passengers. By reclaiming the road reserve, KeNHA aims to secure the necessary land for these upgrades, which have been hindered by the presence of informal commercial stalls.

Traders who fail to comply with the directive within the stipulated seven-day timeframe face forceful enforcement action. KeNHA has warned that it will move to clear the affected areas in accordance with the relevant laws governing road reserves. While the move has sparked concern among the local trading community regarding the loss of livelihoods, the authority emphasizes that the restoration of order is paramount for the long-term safety and efficiency of the northern transport corridor.

Eng. Kimeli, who was recently confirmed as the substantive Director General on February 17, 2026, has taken a firm stance on reclaiming public utility land. His administration appears focused on delivering high-fidelity infrastructure that can support the rising transport demands of the Nairobi metropolitan area. The authority urged all affected parties to cooperate with the directive to avoid the loss of property during the planned enforcement exercise.

As the deadline approaches, the focus remains on whether the traders will voluntarily relocate or if the authority will deploy equipment to clear the sites. The construction of the roadside stations is set to begin shortly after the reserves are fully secured, marking a significant phase in the ongoing efforts to optimize the Thika Superhighway's capacity and safety standards.