KeNHA orders removal of billboards, buildings and nursery beds along 3 major roads
By Steve Ireri, May 28, 2026The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has issued a public notice directing traders, developers and roadside operators to remove all unapproved structures erected along three major roads within 30 days.
In the notice dated May 27, 2026, the authority warned that all encroachments installed on road reserves without official approval must be removed before June 26, 2026, or face forceful demolition.
According to KeNHA, the affected roads include the Chebarbar-Lessos-Nabkoi Road (B12), the Mayoni-Bungoma Road (B139), and the Chepsonoi-Kapsabet Road (B12).
“The Authority hereby notifies the public and all roadside development operators and traders to remove all structures on the road reserve whose installation is not duly approved. of the following roads: 1) Chebarbar-Lessos-Nabkoi (812), 2) Mayoni-Bungoma (8139) 3) Chepsonoi-Kapsabet (B12),” they wrote.
The authority stated that the directive applies to all individuals and businesses that have encroached on both the old and new road alignments along the affected routes.
KeNHA specifically listed makeshift structures, permanent and semi-permanent buildings, billboards, directional and advertisement signs, tree nursery beds and any other developments erected without the authority’s consent as the targeted structures.
“These include makeshift structures, permanent and semi-permanent buildings, Billboards, Directional and Advertisement Signs, Tree Nursery Beds, and any other thing done without the consent of the Authority within the road reserve of both directions,’ the authority added.
The agency explained that the move is aimed at paving the way for road reserve protection activities and maintaining safety and order along the highways.
KeNHA further warned that once the 30-day deadline expires, all illegal structures will be removed in accordance with Clause 49 of the Roads Act, 2007, without further notice to owners or operators.
“This Notice applies to all those who have encroached onto the new and old alignment of the reserves of the said roads.
All the operators are, therefore, through this Notice, directed to remove all the said structures within 30 days from the Date of this Notice. This is to pave the way for the implementation of road reserve protection activities,” the notice read in part.
The authority also cautioned that where applicable, the cost of removing the structures may be charged directly to the owners.
The notice was signed by KeNHA Director General Eng. Luka Kimeli, who urged the public and all affected operators to comply within the given timeline to avoid losses and disruptions.
“Upon the expiry of this notice, June 26, 2026, the Kenya National Highways Authority will remove all the said encroachments as mandated by Clause 49 of the Roads Act, 2007, without any further reference to the owners/operators, and where applicable, at the owner’s cost,” it added.