KeNHA gives advertisers 14 days to renew billboard, wayleave permits

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA)/FILE

The Kenya National Highways Authority has issued a notice requiring advertisers and utility wayleave owners to renew permits for roadside billboards, directional signs and related infrastructure within 14 days.

In the notice dated February 10, 2026, the authority said the directive applies to all firms and individuals with legal approvals along national highways.

The requirement covers annual renewal fees and any outstanding arrears, in line with permit conditions.

According to the Director General, all payments and renewals must be processed through the KeNHA Online Permit Portal. The authority said the portal is the only channel through which renewals will be handled.

The Acting Director General, Luka Kimeli, said the deadline for compliance is Tuesday, February 24, 2026. After that date, KeNHA will move to enforce the regulations.

“At the expiry of this period, enforcement action will follow, including the demolition of the structures and the recovery of all related costs, without further reference to the owners or agents,” the Director General said.

The authority warned that non-compliant billboards, directional signs and utility wayleave installations along national highways will not be spared once the enforcement period begins.

It said the costs of enforcement will be recovered from the owners.

KeNHA also issued a caution to firms and individuals intending to use services offered through erected billboards or utility wayleaves. The Director General said such users should confirm whether service providers are compliant with permit requirements.

He said due diligence should be undertaken by forwarding copies of valid permits belonging to service providers to the authority for verification.

This, he noted, is meant to ensure that only legally approved structures continue operating along national highways.

Kimeli said the directive is part of the authority’s mandate to regulate and manage roadside developments within the national road reserve.

KeNHA said the move is aimed at improving compliance and safeguarding road infrastructure while ensuring order along the country’s highways.

This move follows a recent enforcement notice issued on February 9, 2026, to roadside traders along sections of the Thika Superhighway at Roysambu and Githurai.

Traders were ordered to clear their wares within seven days to make way for designated bus bays aimed at improving road safety and easing congestion.

“The Kenya National Highways Authority wishes to notify all roadside traders along the Thika Superhighway at the Roysambu (both directions) and Githurai (Nairobi direction) sections to clear their wares from the road reserve within seven (7) days of this notice,” the Authority said.

KeNHA said both measures reflect its commitment to safeguarding road infrastructure, ensuring compliance, and maintaining order along the country’s highways.