Hundreds of traders operating along the Kamulu-Kangundo corridor are facing uncertainty after the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) issued a 30-day notice requiring businesses encroaching on the road reserve to move.
The notice is part of an effort by the highways agency to reclaim land set aside for road infrastructure and improve safety along one of the rapidly growing transport corridors on the outskirts of Nairobi.
For many traders, however, the directive has raised concerns about livelihoods. Small businesses line much of the busy route, serving residents and commuters in the fast-expanding settlements of Kamulu and Kangundo Road.
KeNHA says the road reserve must remain free of unauthorised structures to allow for current and future road works, as well as to improve visibility and safety for motorists and pedestrians. Authorities have repeatedly warned that developments within designated road corridors can obstruct infrastructure projects and increase the risk of accidents.
The agency’s latest notice gives affected traders one month to remove structures and vacate the designated areas before enforcement measures begin.
The move comes as government agencies across the country intensify efforts to protect public land and critical infrastructure corridors from encroachment. Officials argue that such actions are necessary to support urban growth and planned transport projects.
Some business owners, however, have called for dialogue and alternative solutions, saying many families depend on the affected enterprises for income. They argue that relocation without adequate planning could have significant economic consequences for local communities.
The developments are likely to spark further discussions between authorities, traders and local leaders as the deadline approaches.
For now, businesses operating within the affected sections of the Kamulu-Kangundo corridor have 30 days to determine their next steps while awaiting further guidance from the authorities.
About the Author
