KeNHA Orders Removal of Roadside Structures Along JKIA to James Gichuru Stretch Ahead of Upgrades

The Kenya National Highways Authority issued a formal notice on January 13 directing the immediate clearance of all temporary roadside developments along the highway from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to James Gichuru Junction. The affected section spans 27 kilometres, incorporating parts of Mombasa Road and Waiyaki Way, and covers billboards, advertisement signs, directional signs, tree nursery beds and similar temporary installations within the road reserve.

Owners and operators have 14 days to dismantle and remove their structures voluntarily. KeNHA stated that failure to comply would result in the authority carrying out removals without further reference to the affected parties. The directive explicitly links the clearance to the upcoming implementation of capacity enhancement, landscaping and beautification works on the corridor.

The notice follows a site handover to contractor China Road and Bridge Corporation, which took place three weeks earlier after an inspection on December 19 last year. That handover, led by KeNHA's director of maintenance Ezekiel Fukwo, initiated the project phase focused on improving infrastructure, safety and environmental aspects along this major Nairobi artery.

President William Ruto had announced the broader rehabilitation plans for the route during Jamhuri Day celebrations in December, with works expected to start this month. The current removal order serves as the practical first step to prepare the road reserve. KeNHA has not released a detailed construction timeline beyond the initial preparations.