The visual landscape of Nairobi’s premier highway is set for a dramatic transformation. The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has issued a strict 14-day ultimatum for the removal of all unauthorized billboards, signage, and temporary structures along the James Gichuru–Rironi–JKIA corridor, declaring war on what it terms "visual pollution" and safety hazards.

In a public notice that has sent shockwaves through the outdoor advertising industry, KeNHA Director General Kung'u Ndung'u warned that the clutter of commercial messages is compromising the aesthetic standards of the key gateway to the capital. The directive targets the entire stretch from Westlands, through the CBD, to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), a route frequented by visiting dignitaries and investors.

Safety Over Commerce

"The proliferation of unapproved structures not only degrades the visual appeal of our infrastructure but poses a significant distraction to motorists," the Authority stated. The crackdown effectively revokes previous temporary licenses and demands that advertisers re-apply under a stringent new compliance framework. The move is seen as part of a broader government strategy to modernize Nairobi's image ahead of hosting major international events in 2026.

• The 14-Day Countdown: Owners of the affected structures have until January 28 to voluntarily pull them down. Failure to comply will see KeNHA agents demolish the structures at the owner's cost, with the added threat of legal action for encroachment.
• Business Fallout: The Outdoor Advertising Association of Kenya has expressed concern, noting that the sector contributes millions in revenue to the county and employs hundreds. "We need a dialogue, not a bulldozer," said a representative. "Sudden removal will lead to massive losses in prepaid advertising contracts."
• The 'Beautification' Agenda: Beyond billboards, the order also targets informal businesses, kiosks, and boda boda sheds that have mushroomed along the road reserves, signaling a return to the rigid zoning enforcement last seen during the Obama visit in 2015.

A City in Transition

As the deadline looms, the scaffolding is already coming down in some sections. For Nairobians, the drive to the airport is about to become less colorful but perhaps more orderly. The government is betting that a clean, streamlined skyline will communicate efficiency to the world, even if it means erasing the chaotic commercial vibrancy that defines the city's spirit.