KeNHA orders removal of roadside structures along James Gichuru to JKIA corridor

The Kenya National Highways Authority has directed the immediate removal of all unauthorized structures and advertising signage along the road corridor stretching from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to the James Gichuru Road junction. The directive affects both sides of the reserve and targets a variety of installations, including billboards, directional signs, tree nursery beds, and temporary buildings.

This clearance exercise is a prerequisite for upcoming infrastructure improvements on the section. The authority plans to begin road capacity enhancement works alongside landscaping and beautification projects once the corridor is cleared. According to the public notice issued on 20 January 2026, the intervention is necessary to secure the full width of the road reserve for these planned activities.

Operators and business owners have been granted a two-week window to comply with the order. The deadline for the voluntary removal of assets is set for Wednesday, 4 February 2026. KeNHA has stated that any structures remaining on the road reserve after this date will be demolished or removed by the state at the owner's expense. The authority added that no further warnings will be issued once the grace period expires.

The notice also addresses property owners whose buildings or installations sit on private land adjacent to the highway. KeNHA specified that any signage or structures overhanging from private property into the road reserve are classified as encroachments and must be rectified. This includes commercial branding and architectural features that extend beyond title boundaries.

Affected parties have been advised to consult with the authority if they require clarification regarding the exact boundaries of the road reserve. In the meantime, the public and motorists using this busy transit artery should expect increased activity along the verges as the removal process begins and the subsequent construction works take shape.