- Street vendors along the busy Thika Highway in Roysambu and Githurai have been ordered to vacate the road reserves within seven days
- The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) issued the notice to pave the way for the construction of dedicated bus lanes.
- This move is part of ongoing road safety initiatives to reduce accidents and congestion on the main road connecting Nairobi and Thika and the greater Mt Kenya area
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has issued a seven-day warning to all road traders operating along the Thika Highway in Roysambu and Githurai.
Source: Getty Images
In a public statement dated February 9, 2026, the Authority’s Director General, Luka Kimeli, ordered the immediate removal of all encroachments on the road reserve to allow the construction of modern bus routes.
KeNHA explained that the initiative is an important part of its road safety improvement plan, designed to “ensure safe and orderly pick-up and drop-off of passengers, as well as reduce traffic congestion.”
What specific areas are affected by the passenger evacuation order?
This project targets the Roysambu section on both sides and the Githurai section towards Nairobi, areas known for the chaotic pick-up and drop-off of passengers that cause heavy traffic.
- Roysambu: All commercial activities along the road on both sides of the highway (towards Nairobi and away from Nairobi).
- Githurai: Street vendors operating along the main road leading to Nairobi city centre.
These areas are full of informal traders selling a variety of goods, from fruits and vegetables to clothes and household items, often extending to roadside and shoulder stores.
What is the main reason for the departure order?
The main objective is to restore the road reserve for the construction of isolated bus sections.
Currently, public service vehicles (PSV) stop unscheduled and randomly along these stretches to pick up and drop off passengers.
This often leads to sudden traffic jams, forces pedestrians to drive dangerously and increases the risk of accidents.
The new bus bays are intended to create organized and safe areas for PSV operations, thereby facilitating traffic flow and increasing safety for drivers and pedestrians.
What is the deadline, and what happens next?
Traders have been given seven (7) days from the date of the notice (February 9, 2026) to voluntarily remove their structures and products from the road reserve.
Failure to comply may result in enforcement action by KeNHA, which may involve the forcible removal of the encroachment.
Source: Getty Images
The authority has provided contact details for inquiries, including a toll-free line (0800-211-244) and a customer care number (0700 423 606).
The Thika Superhighway is a critical economic artery, and congestion at its interchanges significantly undermines its designed capacity.
Is KeNHA hiring?
In other news, KeNHA has advertised 21 job vacancies for graduates and experienced professionals across legal, technical, planning, communications, securityand administrative roles.
The positions, which are on permanent and pensionable terms, were announced on February 10, 2026, through the Government Advertising Agency (MyGov).
KeNHA has directed interested and qualified candidates to apply online and submit academic and professional documents by Monday, March 2, 2026.
The authority reaffirmed its commitment to equal opportunity, encouraging applications from women, persons with disabilities, and candidates from marginalized areas.
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Source: TUKO.co.ke
