Kenya Orders Mass Eviction of Thika Highway Traders Within Seven Days
Thika, 10 February 2026
Hundreds of small-scale traders face immediate displacement as Kenya’s highways authority demands clearance of Roysambu and Githurai road reserves by 16 February 2026. The controversial directive prioritises new bus bay construction over existing livelihoods, highlighting Kenya’s ongoing struggle between infrastructure development and informal commerce protection along major transport corridors.
Immediate Displacement Orders Target Key Commercial Areas
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) issued the seven-day eviction notice on Monday, 9 February 2026, specifically targeting traders operating along road reserves at Roysambu in both directions and Githurai in the Nairobi-bound direction [1]. The directive states that clearance operations will commence immediately after the grace period expires on 16 February 2026, affecting all businesses and structures encroaching on designated road reserves [1]. According to the official notice, traders must ‘clear their wares from the road reserve within seven days’ to facilitate the planned construction works [1]. The authority has provided contact channels for affected parties, including a toll-free line at 0800-211-244 and customer care number 0700 423 606 for enquiries [2].
Bus Bay Construction Drives Infrastructure Modernisation
The mass eviction forms part of KeNHA’s broader initiative to construct designated bus bays designed to promote ‘safe and orderly passenger pick-up and drop-off’ along the heavily trafficked corridor [1][2]. KeNHA Director General Eng. Luka Kimeli emphasised that the new bus bays are expected to ‘significantly reduce traffic congestion and minimise road incidents caused by unregulated matatu stops and roadside trading’ [1]. The infrastructure improvements align with KeNHA’s long-term strategy to modernise transport operations within the Nairobi Metropolitan Area, complementing other major urban mobility projects including the Bus Rapid Transit system and non-motorised transport lanes [1]. These developments represent ongoing efforts to enhance traffic management and safety on one of Nairobi’s busiest transport corridors, which serves thousands of motorists and commuters daily [2].
Ongoing Highway Improvements Create Pattern of Disruption
This latest eviction notice follows a series of recent construction-related closures along the Thika Superhighway, demonstrating the authority’s sustained focus on infrastructure enhancement. In November 2025, KeNHA implemented a partial closure at Juja Highpoint to enable milling and resurfacing works [1]. Additionally, three months prior to the current eviction order, the authority announced a two-month partial closure of service lanes at the Kihunguro section to allow construction of footbridge column bases and stub columns aimed at enhancing pedestrian safety [1]. These sequential infrastructure projects indicate a comprehensive approach to upgrading the highway’s capacity and safety features, though they also highlight the recurring disruption faced by businesses operating along the corridor.
Economic Impact and Enforcement Concerns
The eviction order raises significant concerns about livelihood protection for small-scale traders who have established businesses along the highway’s commercial sections. KeNHA has warned that failure to comply with the seven-day deadline may result in enforcement actions, including forceful removal of structures [3]. The directive specifically targets the reclamation of road reserves to address what authorities describe as unorganised passenger pick-up and drop-off operations by public service vehicles [3]. Eng. Luka Kimeli has urged traders to comply within the stipulated period ‘to avoid disruption and ensure the timely implementation of the project’ [2]. The authority frames the initiative as part of ongoing road safety improvement measures designed to reduce accidents and ensure unobstructed traffic flow, though the immediate economic impact on displaced traders remains a significant concern [2].