By Robert Mutasi 
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has given roadside traders and other occupants in seven counties 30 days to remove illegal structures and other encroachments from road reserves along four major highways.
In a notice dated Tuesday, September 29, 2026, KeNHA Director General Luka Kimeli directed affected occupants in Kilifi, Lamu, Kwale, Tana River, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet and Baringo counties to clear the road reserves by Thursday, October 29, 2026.
The affected roads include the Likoni-Ukunda-Lunga Lunga road, which links Mombasa and Kwale counties, and the Kilifi-Malindi-Garsen-Witu road serving Kilifi, Tana River and Lamu counties.
The directive also covers the Maili Tisa-Kitalo road, which provides a link towards South Sudan, and the Eldoret-Nyaru road connecting Uasin Gishu and Baringo counties.
“All affected occupants are, therefore, required, through this Notice, to remove their goods, structures, and any other encroachments from the road reserve within thirty days from the date of this Notice,” KeNHA stated.
The authority warned that any structures, goods or other property left within the affected road reserves after the deadline will be removed without further notice.
KeNHA said owners of the structures and goods will also be required to meet the costs incurred during the removal exercise.
The clearance is intended to pave the way for planned improvements along the roads, including the construction of service roads, bus bays and rehabilitation of drainage systems.
“This directive is issued to facilitate the planned service road improvements, construction of bus bays, and drainage rehabilitation works along the listed roads,” the authority said.
KeNHA said the works are being undertaken under an ongoing performance-based maintenance and road safety programme. The programme is aimed at improving road safety and addressing traffic congestion along the affected routes.
The authority further reminded the public that illegal occupation of road reserves is an offence under the Kenya Roads Act, 2007, and the Traffic Act, Cap 403.
KeNHA has previously carried out similar clearance operations along major highways where businesses and temporary structures have occupied road reserves.
The authority said the October 29 deadline will be final, after which enforcement teams will proceed with the removal of structures and goods that remain within the designated road reserves.
Road reserves are protected areas set aside for the construction, expansion, maintenance and management of public roads and related infrastructure. Their occupation can interfere with road expansion projects, drainage works, pedestrian safety and traffic management.