The Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) has announced plans to remove illegal signboards along the Eastern Bypass. The move follows complaints from motorists and pedestrians about safety risks.
According to KURA, many of the billboards were erected without approval. These structures not only spoil the look of the area but also endanger road users.
“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,” KURA said. “A significant number of these installations have been erected unlawfully on public land.”
Clean-Up Exercise Planned
KURA will conduct a clean-up exercise to remove all hazardous and illegal signboards. The goal is to restore proper use of road reserves and make the corridor safer.
Before the clean-up, KURA will hold a stakeholders’ meeting on Thursday, September 18, at 10 am. The meeting will include Nairobi and Kiambu County officials, area chiefs, traders, and business owners along the bypass. KURA wants to ensure the process is coordinated and smooth.
Eastern Bypass: A Key Road
The Eastern Bypass connects important suburbs between Nairobi and Kiambu counties. It is 28 kilometres long and was expanded into a dual carriageway starting in 2021. The expansion helped reduce traffic congestion but also led to more billboards, kiosks, and other structures along the road.
Many of these structures encroach on public land. KURA’s clean-up aims to protect public space, improve safety, and restore the road’s visual appeal.
Road Safety and Urban Aesthetics
KURA’s action highlights the importance of regulating public spaces. By removing unauthorized billboards, the authority seeks to make the Eastern Bypass safer for motorists and pedestrians while preserving Nairobi’s urban landscape.
