TWV Team
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has launched a nationwide operation to reclaim and protect highway road reserves from further encroachment. Authoritative sources have confirmed to The Weekly Vision that the exercise has been sanctioned by President William Ruto in preparation for the rollout of extensive road construction projects across the country. Once completed, these projects are expected to form part of the President’s first-term legacy.
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Over 580 stalled road projects are set to be revived, each with strict deadlines for completion.
In Ngurubani, Mwea, Kirinyaga County, along the busy Mwea–Embu Highway, traders were caught unawares this week when KeNHA officials moved in to clear the road reserve. Responding to public concern, KeNHA said: “This is part of a broader effort to enforce regulations and improve road conditions nationwide.”
Meanwhile, KeNHA’s Corridor A Management team, led by Eng. Stephen Muli, met stakeholders to discuss road reserve protection and safety along the Athi River–Isinya–Namanga (A2) Road. Local leaders, including Kajiado East MP Kakuta Ole Maimai, voiced concerns over rapid urban growth and poor planning in towns such as Kitengela and Isinya, calling for stronger collaboration between road agencies and county leadership to improve access, safety, and traffic flow.
On 4 August 2025, five people, Rita Fulgence Mwadime, Siundu Aiman Wanyonyi, Walter Owino Adero, Amina Issa Juma, and Antony Mulei Mainga, pleaded guilty before a Mombasa court to encroachment on the Mombasa–Nairobi Highway (A8). They had ignored vacation notices issued by KeNHA on 4 April 2025, contravening Section 49(1)(a), as read with Section 49(6), of the Kenya Roads Act, 2007.
Along Corridor D, KeNHA conducted surveillance and public awareness campaigns on the Isebania–Kisii–Ahero–Kisumu Boys–Kakamega (A1) and Nakuru–Kampi ya Moto–Marigat (B17) roads. The exercise targeted market centres such as Rae, Kiboswa, Gambogi, Chavakali, Khahega, Kakamega, Katito, Sondu, and Kadongo, and involved county officials, local administrators, boda boda groups, and transporters’ saccos.
To avoid confrontations with the public, KeNHA intends to adopt “soft power” measures, including community sensitisation campaigns in partnership with the public, elected leaders, the Kenya Forest Service, and National Government Administration Officers.
President Ruto’s renewed focus on flagship road projects follows his state visit to China in April, where he secured substantial funding for infrastructure. The centrepiece of these projects is the upgrade of the 170 km Rironi–Mau Summit Road from a single carriageway to a four-lane dual carriageway, alongside the construction of 57.8 km of the A8-South Highway between Rironi and Naivasha via Mai Mahiu.
In October, Phase 1 of the Kenya–South Sudan corridor will commence, funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB). It will include the Lesseru–Kitale section, Morpus–Kainuk (54 km), and Kainuk–Lokichar (74.4 km), covering Trans-Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Kakamega, and Turkana counties.
In Nyanza and Western Kenya, a KSh70 billion, 180 km highway project will link Busia, Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, and Migori counties, passing through Bunyala, Funyula, Uyoma, Asembo, Seme, Ahero, Katito, Kendu Bay, Homa Hills, Homa Bay, Mbita, and Gwassi Hills, before ending at Muhuru Bay on Lake Victoria’s shores. The road will feature a seven-metre carriageway and two-metre shoulders for non-motorised traffic.
Expansion and dualling of the 25 km Muthaiga–Kiambu Road will begin in September, while the notorious Nithi Bridge on the Meru–Embu Highway will be realigned at a cost of KSh7 billion. Also advertised is the Thika–Magumu–Flyover Highway (B20), which cuts through the Aberdare Forest to link Thika with the Nairobi–Nakuru Highway.
In the coastal region, Phase 2 of the AfDB–EU-financed Bagamoyo–Tanga–Horohoro/Lungalunga–Malindi Road will commence, strengthening Kenya–Tanzania trade and positioning Malindi, Kilifi, and Mtwapa as key economic hubs.
Phase 1, currently underway, covers the Mombasa–Mtwapa and Mtwapa–Kwa Kadzengo–Kilifi sections. Additionally, the 66.5 km Illasit–Rombo–Taveta Road, costing KSh9 billion, is progressing to link Kajiado and Taita–Taveta counties.
According to KeNHA insiders, President Ruto’s priority project is the Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project (HoAGDP), which includes the Mandera–Isiolo Highway and feeder roads such as Marsabit–Segel–Maikona (97.8 km) and Barpello–Marich Pass (124 km). This aims to open up the north and stimulate growth in towns such as Isiolo, Garissa, Wajir, and Mandera.
The Cabinet has also approved dualling of the 20 km Nairobi Northern Bypass, connecting Ruaka to Ruiru and linking both the Western and Eastern bypasses. The upgrade will include eight interchanges, overpasses, underpasses, walkways, cycle paths, improved drainage, and adjacent road enhancements.
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