KeNHA Launches Crackdown Against Hawkers, Street Families

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has launched a crackdown on hawkers and street families occupying footbridges and underpasses.

In a statement on Friday, September 19, the authority said the structures were originally intended to provide safe passage for pedestrians but have become difficult to use.

"Footbridges are designed to provide safe, efficient, and often pleasant passage for pedestrians free from any obstacles and encumbrances.

"Unfortunately, most footbridges along the highways are now unfeasible to use due to encroachment by hawkers and street families. This compels pedestrians to cross in undesignated areas which has often resulted in tragic accidents," he noted.

KeNHA explained that the operation aims to enhance safety and prevent further loss of life.

"In a bid to deter any further loss of life, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), has launched an operation to clear all footbridges and underpasses of any hawkers and street families as well as clean them," the statement added.

KeNHA noted that the exercise has already kicked off along the busy Thika Superhighway, with several agencies taking part.

"This countrywide exercise has started off along the Ruiru – Thika section of the Thika Superhighway. The exercise is being conducted in collaboration with the National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO), County Governments, National Police Service, Axle Load Enforcement Unit (ALEHU) and the KeNHA Corridor C team," the statement concluded.

This comes barely a week after the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) announced plans to remove illegally erected signboards along the Eastern Bypass Corridor.

In a statement on Monday, September 15, KURA said that the corridor has been occupied with signboards, compromising both road safety and the urban aesthetics of the area.

The authority added that most advertising boards have been erected illegally on public land.

"It has come to our attention that the Eastern Bypass Corridor has been extensively occupied with signboards, many of which pose safety risks to road users and compromise the urban aesthetics of the area.

"In addition, a significant number of these installations have been erected illegally on public land," the statement read.

As such, KURA said it will undertake a clean-up exercise to restore order along the busy route.

"In light of this, the Kenya Urban Roads Authority will be undertaking a cian-up exercise to restore order along, the corridor," the statement added.