The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has issued a 30-day notice ordering traders, residents and other occupants who have illegally encroached on the Ruiru-Githunguri-Uplands (B116) Road reserve to vacate or risk demolition.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

In a public notice dated Friday, July 10, the authority directed all unauthorised roadside traders and owners of illegal structures along the corridor to remove their property and clear the road reserve by August 10.

According to KeNHA, the eviction is part of preparations for the planned upgrade of the 44-kilometre road as well as ongoing efforts to improve road safety and ease traffic flow along the busy transport corridor.

"The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) hereby notifies all illegal roadside occupants, including traders and unauthorised structures along the Ruiru-Githunguri-Uplands (B116) Road, to remove their wares and vacate the road reserve within thirty (30) days from the date of this notice," the authority stated.

📌 What You Need to Know

The agency warned that enforcement action will begin immediately after the notice expires, with anyone who fails to comply facing removal in accordance with laws governing road reserves.

The latest notice follows months of public consultations and stakeholder engagements ahead of the commencement of the long-awaited Ksh4 billion highway project linking Ruiru to Uplands through Githunguri.

During a public participation forum held in June, KeNHA urged residents occupying the road reserve to voluntarily move out to pave the way for construction once the contractor is mobilised to the site.

The project has already been awarded to a Chinese contractor and will involve upgrading the existing road to bitumen standards, complete with modern drainage systems, improved road surfacing and pedestrian walkways in urban centres along the route.

Once completed, the B116 road is expected to become a key transport corridor connecting the Nairobi-Thika Superhighway at Ruiru with the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway at Uplands, improving connectivity across Kiambu County and the wider Nairobi Metropolitan Area.

The upgraded highway is also expected to boost the transportation of agricultural produce, improve access to markets and social services, and support economic growth in Githunguri and neighbouring towns.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke