A fresh wave of eviction notices from the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) targets traders along the Nairobi-Mombasa highway, highlighting the relentless friction between urban infrastructure development and informal economies. For the hardworking informal traders operating along the bustling, exhaust-choked arteries of this corridor, the terrifying threat of the bulldozer is a constant, ever-looming shadow.

KeNHA has once again stirred the socio-economic pot, issuing stringent, non-negotiable eviction notices to petty traders and business owners stationed illegally along the critical road reserves. The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has issued a public notice ordering the removal of illegal structures along a section of Mombasa Road at Mtito Andei.

In a notice, the authority said all illegal roadside occupants, including traders and owners of unauthorised structures along the Mtito Andei section of the road in both directions, must vacate the road reserve within 21 days.

KeNHA said the occupants are required to remove their goods and structures to allow planned works along the corridor.

“The Kenya National Highways Authority hereby notifies all illegal roadside occupants, including traders and unauthorised structures, along the Mitto Andei section of the A8 Road (Mombasa Road) in both directions, to remove their wares and vacate the road reserve within 21 days from the date of this notice.”

The directive is meant to pave the way for planned service road improvements and drainage rehabilitation works along the highway.

KeNHA said the project forms part of ongoing road safety improvement initiatives aimed at reducing road traffic accidents and ensuring safe and unobstructed movement of vehicles along Mombasa Road.

“All affected traders and occupants are therefore required, through this notice, to remove their goods, structures, and any other encroachments from the road reserve within twenty-one (21) days from the date of this notice.”

The authority warned that once the notice period lapses on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, any remaining structures or goods will be removed.

“Upon the expiry of the 21 days — Wednesday, 8 April 2026 — any structures, goods, or encroachments remaining within the said section of the road reserve shall be removed without further reference to the owners.”

KeNHA maintains that the operation is part of a broader infrastructure upgrade aimed at improving safety and efficiency along highways. According to the authority, clearing road reserves will enable:

• Construction of designated bus bays to eliminate illegal public service vehicle (PSV) stops

• Expansion of service lanes to ease congestion into Nairobi

• Restoration of pedestrian walkways to reduce roadside accidents

This looming eviction is the latest in a series of moves to sanitize the country’s major corridors. It reflects a growing intolerance for the chaotic encroachment that defines the country's highway periphery. However, without alternative markets, the traders are likely to play a game of cat and mouse with the authorities, returning as soon as the enforcement trucks leave.