KeNHA Gives Roadside Traders 7 Days to Vacate Thika Superhighway Ahead of Bus Bay Construction
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has issued a seven-day notice to roadside traders operating along sections of the Thika Superhighway, directing them to vacate road reserves to allow for the construction of new bus bays.
In a public notice released on Monday, February 9, 2026, KeNHA announced that the clearance will affect traders and structures along the Roysambu section in both directions and the Githurai section on the Nairobi-bound side. The authority said enforcement action would commence immediately after the expiry of the seven-day grace period.
“This is to notify all roadside traders along the Thika Superhighway at the Roysambu (both directions) and Githurai (Nairobi direction) sections to clear their wares from the road reserve within seven days of this notice,” KeNHA said in part.
According to the highways authority, the exercise is intended to pave the way for the construction of designated bus bays aimed at improving traffic flow, road safety, and commuter convenience along one of Nairobi’s busiest transport corridors. Thika Superhighway serves thousands of motorists and public transport users daily, linking the capital to several fast-growing residential and commercial hubs.
KeNHA Director General Eng. Luka Kimeli said the planned bus bays would address long-standing challenges caused by unregulated matatu stops and roadside trading, which often force public service vehicles to stop on traffic lanes.
“The construction of proper bus bays is expected to significantly reduce congestion and minimise road crashes caused by unsafe stopping points and encroachment on road reserves,” Kimeli said.
The notice comes amid ongoing and recent construction activities along the Thika Superhighway. Three months ago, KeNHA announced a two-month partial closure of Nairobi-bound and Thika-bound service lanes at the Kihunguro section to facilitate major construction works.
At the time, the authority said the closure was necessary to allow for the construction of footbridge column bases and stub columns, a move aimed at enhancing pedestrian safety along the busy highway.
In November 2025, KeNHA also partially closed a section of the superhighway at Juja Highpoint (Centurion) to carry out milling and resurfacing works. The improvements were part of routine maintenance and long-term upgrades intended to extend the road’s lifespan and improve driving conditions.
According to KeNHA, the new bus bay project aligns with broader urban mobility initiatives being rolled out within the Nairobi Metropolitan Area. These include the ongoing development of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system and the expansion of non-motorised transport lanes designed to improve accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists.
The authority noted that while roadside trading remains a source of livelihood for many, encroachment on road reserves poses significant safety risks to traders, commuters, and motorists alike. KeNHA urged affected traders to comply with the directive to avoid enforcement action once the grace period lapses.
Reaffirming its mandate, the authority said it remains focused on delivering safe, efficient, and high-quality road infrastructure across the country.
“We urge all road users and traders to cooperate with us as we work to improve safety and efficiency on our highways. Safety begins with you,” KeNHA stated.
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KeNHA Gives Roadside Traders 7 Days to Vacate Thika Superhighway Ahead of Bus Bay Construction
