Highway Authority Flattens Githurai Stalls in Tense Midnight Operation to Pave Way for New Bus Parks

The Kenya National Highways Authority, KeNHA, has commenced a wide-reaching enforcement operation along the Thika Superhighway, starting with the forceful removal of informal trade structures at the Githurai 45 section. The exercise, which began under heavy police presence on Wednesday night and continued into the early hours of Thursday, saw excavators and bulldozers flatten hundreds of kiosks, wooden sheds, and makeshift stalls that had occupied the road reserve for years.

The move followed the expiration of a seven-day vacation notice issued by the authority on February 9, 2026. According to official notices, the clearance is a prerequisite for the construction of modern bus parks and designated bus bays intended to streamline public transport operations. KeNHA officials maintained that the encroachment had reached a level that significantly compromised road safety and contributed to chronic traffic congestion at the Githurai interchange.

Tensions peaked prior to the arrival of heavy machinery, as local traders and residents staged protests that paralyzed traffic on the busy highway. Demonstrators lit bonfires and blocked the Nairobi-bound lanes, leading to running battles with anti-riot police who used tear gas to disperse the crowds. While the authority argued that public sensitization forums were held as early as February 12, many traders expressed frustration, claiming the notice period was insufficient to secure alternative locations for their businesses.

Engineering teams on-site noted that the encroachment interfered with the highway's service lanes and drainage systems. By reclaiming these areas, the authority plans to implement a more organized transport system that separates public service vehicles from the main carriage flow. The project also aims to improve pedestrian accessibility around the Githurai roundabout, which has historically been a high-accident zone due to the high volume of informal foot traffic and unregulated matatu stops.

The enforcement campaign is not limited to Githurai. KeNHA has confirmed that the next phase of the operation will target the Roysambu roundabout, affecting both sides of the superhighway. Traders at Roysambu have already been served with similar orders to vacate the road reserve to allow for the development of another modern bus park facility. The authority emphasized that these interventions are part of a broader infrastructure strategy to enhance the efficiency of one of the country's most critical transport corridors.

As the dust settles in Githurai, small-scale vendors were seen on Friday morning scavenging for reusable materials among the debris. Iron sheets, timber, and salvaged wares were piled along the fringes of the cleared zone. Although some political figures and trade representatives have criticized the timing and execution of the demolitions, KeNHA remains firm that the road reserve must remain clear for its intended purpose of transport infrastructure.

The authority has also issued a separate warning regarding billboard placements and utility wayleaves along the highway. Operators with legal approvals have been directed to settle outstanding arrears and renew permits through the official online portal by February 24, 2026. Failure to comply with these administrative requirements will result in further enforcement actions, including the removal of unlicensed signage at the owners’ cost.

For the residents of Githurai and the thousands of daily commuters on Thika Road, the immediate impact is a cleared service lane and a heavier police presence. The long-term objective remains the successful delivery of the promised bus bays, which engineers believe will finally address the gridlock that often stretches from Roysambu to the Clay Works section during peak hours.