A man has been sentenced to three years in prison for vandalising a road sign along the Mau Summit–Nyahururu Highway, in a ruling that underscores Kenya’s tough stance on road infrastructure destruction.
According to the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), the suspect was arrested on Tuesday following a tip-off from members of the public. Officers from the Salgaa base apprehended him while defacing a road sign between Sobea and Westlands.
In a statement, KeNHA said the conviction is intended to act as a deterrent against further acts of vandalism targeting critical road assets. The Authority stressed that the destruction of road furniture such as signs and guardrails endangers motorists and compromises overall road safety.
“Vandalism of critical infrastructure is not only unlawful but also poses a grave risk to road users. We urge Kenyans to safeguard public property and report any suspicious activities on our highways,” KeNHA said. The agency encouraged the public to use its toll-free hotline or visit the nearest KeNHA office to report incidents.
The suspect will serve his three-year sentence without the option of a fine, a punishment that KeNHA says sends a strong message to would-be offenders.
This is not an isolated case. Just last month, a Nakuru Chief Magistrate fined two men Ksh1 million each—or a jail term of one and a half years in default—for unlawfully removing a road bump sign along the Nakuru–Kabarak Road. The signage, located near Kabarak University, was classified as essential infrastructure critical for road safety.
The two pleaded guilty to destruction of infrastructure, an offence under Section 24 of the Scrap Metal Act No. 1 of 2015. The court ruled that their actions posed a grave danger to motorists who depend on proper signage for safe navigation.
Under the law, destruction, removal, or interference with road infrastructure attracts a penalty of up to three years in prison, a fine, or both. Offenders may also be compelled to cover the cost of repairs or replacements.
KeNHA has reiterated its appeal to the public to work with authorities in protecting road infrastructure to ensure the safety of all road users.
