Roadside structures along the busy highway linking James Gichuru Road to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport will be removed as the government prepares to roll out major upgrade and beautification works on the corridor.
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has issued a 14-day notice directing all owners and operators of temporary developments within the road reserve to clear them to pave the way for the project. The notice was published in local daily newspapers.
According to KeNHA Acting Director General Luka Kimeli, the works will involve capacity enhancement, landscaping and general beautification of the road, officially known as the James Gichuru Road Junction to JKIA (A8/810) Highway.
“This is to notify all roadside development owners and operators within the James Gichuru Road Junction to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (A8/810) Highway of the commencement of capacity enhancement, landscaping and beautification works along this section,” Kimeli said.
The structures targeted for removal include billboards, advertising and directional signs, tree nursery beds and other temporary installations that sit within the road reserve. KeNHA said the removals must be completed within 14 days from the date of the notice to allow smooth implementation of the project.
Kimeli warned that any structures not removed within the stipulated period will be demolished by the authority without further engagement with the owners. “Failure to comply will result in removal of the structures without further reference to the owners or operators,” he said.
The planned works were announced by President William Ruto in December last year, when he said the government would begin reconstruction, landscaping and beautification of the JKIA to James Gichuru Road Junction stretch in January.
The road section was significantly damaged during the construction of the Nairobi Expressway and has since remained in poor condition despite its importance as a key gateway into the capital.
The project has been awarded to China Road and Bridge Corporation and is expected to improve the appearance, safety and traffic flow along the route once completed.
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