KeNHA Orders Roadside Traders to Vacate Ruiru-Githunguri Route

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has ordered all unauthorized roadside traders and occupants along the Ruiru-Githunguri-Uplands (B116) Road to clear their structures. The 30-day notice, which was issued on Friday, demands complete vacation of the transport corridor.

According to a public directive signed by KeNHA Director General Eng. Luka Kimeli, the affected operators must clear their wares by August 10, 2026. Anyone remaining after the deadline will face forceful enforcement action, which will be executed under public road protection laws without further reference.

The evacuation order serves as a preliminary phase for the planned Ksh4 billion infrastructure upgrade project.

This civil works project targets a 44-kilometer stretch of the B116 route. The construction project aims to link the Nairobi-Thika Superhighway with the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway, which will improve connectivity within the wider Nairobi Metropolitan Area.

KeNHA officials stated that clearing the road reserve remains a vital priority for their ongoing road safety improvement initiatives, which seek to reduce accidents. The authority notes that the current informal encroachments cause significant traffic obstructions and hazard risks.

A Chinese contracting firm has been handed the construction works to execute the engineering alignment.

The project road traverses heavily populated sections of Kiambu County. The development will involve extensive pavement rehabilitation, which will resolve long-standing public complaints about rough surfaces, severe transit delays, and vehicle wear.

Local farmers, residents, and public transport operators have frequently lamented the deep potholes and bottlenecks that choke the route daily.

However, many roadside business owners are now expressing anxiety over their impending displacement from the lively commercial hubs. Several traders have publicly petitioned the state, requesting clear communication regarding relocation logistical support and potential compensation.

Before issuing the final eviction notice, the state roads agency hosted a mandatory public participation forum, which took place in Githunguri Town on June 3, 2026. The meeting was held at the Deputy County Commissioner's office compound.

Resident Engineer Maxwell Kamwana led the session, explaining that local public cooperation remains critical for the smooth implementation of the engineering timeline. He noted that the asset upgrade is engineered to improve long-term transport efficiency for all regular motorists.

Kiambu Member of Parliament (MP) Gathoni Wamuchomba attended the forum.

The lawmaker supported the infrastructure investment, but strongly urged the engineering design team to ensure that safe pedestrian walkways and proper drainage networks are built.

The enforcement directive follows a similar exercise conducted along the Kamulu-Joska-Malaa-Tala-Kangundo (B63) Road. In that campaign, the highway authority warned that non-compliant business operators could be billed for the total costs incurred during government demolition operations.

Road reserves are legally protected public land set aside for future construction, maintenance, and expansion. The state remains determined to secure these transport corridors, even though the clearance exercises inevitably disrupt thousands of small-scale informal economic ventures.

With the August deadline looming, administrators expect operators to pack up their belongings and comply voluntarily. This will allow the heavy earthmoving machinery to move on-site to begin the road upgrade without community conflict.