KeNHA Orders 30-Day Clearance of Illegal Structures on Major Roads Linking Western and Rift Valley

Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has formally directed the removal of all unapproved structures from road reserves along three trunk routes. The notice, dated 27 May 2026, targets encroachments that lack proper approvals from the authority.

It applies to both sides of Chebarbar-Lessos-Nabkoi (B12), Mayoni-Bungoma (B139) and Chepsonoi-Kapsabet (B12). The order covers new and old alignments alike, leaving little room for ambiguity among roadside traders and developers.

Structures caught by the directive range from makeshift setups to more permanent buildings. Billboards, advertisement signs, directional signs and even tree nursery beds fall within its scope. Any other installation placed without consent also faces removal.

The 30-day window runs until 26 June 2026. KeNHA made clear that failure to comply will trigger action under Clause 49 of the Roads Act, 2007. In such cases, the authority will carry out the demolition without further notice, with costs recoverable where applicable.

Eng. Luka Kimeli, the director general, signed the notice. It forms part of routine efforts to safeguard road reserves, which provide essential space for traffic movement and ongoing maintenance work.

Encroachments along these corridors have occasionally narrowed effective carriageway width and complicated routine upkeep. The affected routes serve as vital links in the western and Rift Valley regions, carrying significant volumes of people and goods daily.

KeNHA manages, develops and maintains Kenya's national trunk road network. Protecting the reserves remains central to that mandate. The notice restates long-standing requirements rather than announcing fresh policy.

Roadside operators now face a straightforward decision. Those with compliant installations have nothing to fear, while others must act quickly to avoid losing their setups. The authority has circulated the document through its official channels and invited clarification via provided contacts.

This type of enforcement action appears periodically on Kenya's trunk roads as traffic volumes grow and development pressure increases near highways. It underscores the tension between informal roadside commerce and the need for clear, functional infrastructure corridors.

The notice carries the full branding of the Kenya National Highways Authority, including the national coat of arms. Contact details at the bottom include email options for complaints and customer care lines for those seeking guidance.

By the end of the compliance period, the selected road sections should present clearer reserves. Such moves help preserve the integrity of these important national assets for safer and more efficient transport.