The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has issued a public notice directing traders and other occupants to vacate the Mtito Andei section of the A8 Road reserve within 21 days.

In an X post dated March 12, 2026, the authority instructed all illegal roadside occupants, including traders and those with unauthorised structures, to remove their wares and structures from both sides of the road reserve along the busy Mombasa Road corridor.

The notice applies to the Mtito Andei stretch of the A8 Road, a key highway linking Nairobi and Mombasa and serving as a major route for passenger and cargo transport.

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

Road works

According to KeNHA, the directive is intended to pave the way for planned service road improvements and drainage rehabilitation works along the highway.

The agency said the upgrades are part of ongoing road safety improvement initiatives aimed at reducing accidents and ensuring smooth traffic flow along the corridor.

Traders and other occupants have been asked to comply within the 21-day period to allow the project to proceed without disruption.

KeNHA warned that after the notice period lapses on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, any structures, goods or encroachments still within the road reserve will be removed without further notice.

“All affected traders, structures, and any other encroachments are therefore required, through this notice, to remove within twenty-one (21) days from the date of this notice to allow for the implementation of the project works,” KeNHA added.

“Upon the expiry of the twenty-one (21) days, Wednesday, 8th 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, in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations governing the protection of road reserves.”

Road reserve regulations

The notice by KeNHA Director General Luka Kimeli further states that the removal will be carried out in accordance with laws governing the protection and management of road reserves.

KeNHA reiterated that road reserves are designated for highway infrastructure and related developments and are not meant for unauthorized trading or construction.

The authority also provided channels through which members of the public can seek clarification, including the complaints email [email protected], toll-free number 0800-211-244 and customer care line 0700 623 606.

Crackdown

The directive comes amid ongoing enforcement efforts by the highways authority to clear encroachments along major roads.

In recent months, similar operations have been carried out along sections of Thika Superhighway where traders were ordered to vacate road reserves to allow the construction of bus bays and other safety features.