The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has directed all roadside development owners, advertisers, and operators along the A8/B10 Highway, stretching from James Gichuru Road Junction to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), to remove their structures within 14 days.
The directive covers billboards, directional and advertisement signs, tree nursery beds, and all temporary installations occupying the road reserve.
KeNHA Acting Director General Luka Kimeli said the move will create space for capacity expansion, landscaping, and beautification works along one of Nairobi’s most critical transport corridors.
“All roadside developments (billboards, direction and advertisement signs, tree nursery beds and temporary structures) within the said road reserve should be removed within 14 days from the date of this Notice to pave way for implementation of the project works,” he said.
Kimeli warned that KeNHA will demolish any non-compliant structures after the deadline without further notice, adding that owners will also bear the cost of removal.
Upgrade Targets Traffic Flow, Safety and City Image
KeNHA said the highway upgrade will ease traffic congestion, improve safety, and enhance the visual appeal of the busy route linking central Nairobi to JKIA, Kenya’s main international gateway.
The authority urged advertisers, billboard owners, and signage operators to comply immediately to avoid financial penalties and disruption.
The latest directive aligns with President William Ruto’s announcement in December 2025 that the government would begin reconstruction and beautification of Mombasa Road, from JKIA to ABC Place.
Speaking on December 12, 2025, Ruto said the project would boost road safety, improve traffic flow, and give Nairobi a modern, world-class look.
“Kwa sababu barabara ya Expressway imekamilika na wananchi wanatumia pale juu, barabara ya chini iko na matatizo na ndiyo sababu kuanzia hii Disemba mkienda krisimasi tutajenga upya na tuifanyie beautification ndiyo Nairobi ionekane kama city ya taifa letu,” he said.
Loosely translated: (Now that the Expressway is complete and people are using the upper lanes, the lower road has experienced problems. That is why, starting this December, as we approach Christmas, we will reconstruct and beautify it so that Nairobi can truly reflect the status of our nation.)
KeNHA Begins Construction Works
On December 19, KeNHA officially launched the project following the presidential directive.
“Arising from the presidential directive on the modernisation of infrastructure around the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), KeNHA has initiated a transformative infrastructure project aimed at strengthening Kenya’s gateway to the world,” it said.
KeNHA confirmed that a team led by Eng. Ezekiel Fukwo, the authority’s Director of Maintenance, conducted a site visit and formally handed over the project to the contractor, China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC).
“The team, led by Eng. Ezekiel Fukwo, KeNHA’s Director of Maintenance, commenced the project with a site visit and formal site handover to the contractor, China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC).”
A Modern Gateway to Kenya
Once complete, KeNHA said the JKIA highway upgrade will significantly improve the area’s appearance, support environmental sustainability, and raise infrastructure and safety standards around Kenya’s main aviation hub.
The authority added that clearing the road reserve will allow the contractor to work efficiently and deliver a modern, safe, and visually appealing corridor that reflects Kenya’s status as a regional economic and tourism hub.
