The Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) has launched a crackdown on illegally erected signboards along the Eastern Bypass, warning that the mushrooming advertisements have turned the key transport corridor into a safety hazard and an eyesore.
In a statement issued on Monday, the authority decried the uncontrolled spread of advertising boards, many of which have been planted without approval 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,” KURA said.
The clean-up exercise, which begins this week, will target dozens of massive metal and wooden structures that clutter the road reserve between Ruai and Mlolongo. Many of the billboards, officials say, block sightlines for motorists and endanger pedestrians who already contend with narrow walkways and high-speed traffic.
Safety vs. Business Interests
The Eastern Bypass, a crucial artery linking Thika Road to Mombasa Road, has over the years morphed into a hotspot for outdoor advertising. From small directional signs for eateries to towering corporate billboards, the sheer volume has outpaced regulation.
A spot check by this writer revealed advertising boards plastered just metres from road junctions, obstructing views for drivers. Others lean dangerously after years of neglect, raising fears they could collapse during heavy rains or strong winds.
KURA insists the operation is not anti-business but pro-safety.
“In light of this, the Kenya Urban Roads Authority will be undertaking a clean-up exercise to restore order along the corridor,” the statement read.
Wider Crackdown on Road Vandalism
The move comes barely a week after the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) warned against the defacing of official road signs with political campaign posters. The highways body cautioned that such acts were “reckless and destructive,” adding that they could cost lives by confusing or distracting motorists.
KeNHA put potential violators on notice, stating:
“If found defacing road furniture, you will be liable to a fine of not less than Ksh85,000 per incident or imprisonment or both.”
Public Reactions
While many Nairobians have welcomed KURA’s intervention, saying the Eastern Bypass has long resembled “a chaotic billboard market,” some business owners are uneasy.
“Outdoor advertising is how we reach customers. Instead of a blanket removal, KURA should create designated zones,” said a Ruai-based car dealership manager who requested anonymity.
Urban planners argue that the fight against illegal billboards reflects a larger struggle to balance commerce and order in Nairobi’s rapidly expanding transport corridors. With the government pouring billions into road infrastructure, questions linger over enforcement and whether the clean-up will be sustained or fade after a few weeks.
For now, the Eastern Bypass is set to undergo a facelift—its towering billboards coming down, one after another.
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