High Court Blocks KeNHA From Making Changes Along James Gichuru-JKIA Corridor
The Outdoor Advertising Association of Kenya (OAAK) has obtained a court injunction blocking the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) from dismantling billboards located between James Gichuru Roundabout and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
This came after KENHA issued an order on January 20 requiring the removal of all billboards at the James Gichuru roundabout and JKIA.
“Pursuant to a notice issued by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) dated January 20 2026, demanding the removal of all structures located along James Gichuru roundabout and JKIA, the Outdoor Advertising Association of Kenya (OAAK) sought to challenge this order in court through a case number HCCHRPET/E066/2026 Outdoor Advertising Association of Kenya vs. Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA),” the agency stated.
The government cited the use of unlawful and unapproved billboards erected without sufficient authorization or located in forbidden places, including residential zones, as a breach of the Physical and Land Use Planning Act (PLUPA) 2019.
It is abuse of power and a violation of the Constitution for public officers serving at @KeNHAKenya to disobey a Court order and destroy billboards whose erection it approved. All these in the name of beautification of higHways! Why destroy capital investments which bring public… pic.twitter.com/pJazJH8Um2
— Nelson Havi SC (@NelsonHavi) February 12, 2026
Revenue arrears also sparked the action, with some advertising firms owing the county more than Ksh500 million in unpaid fees.
In many cases, businesses collected payments from customers but failed to remit them to the county government.
City officials cited visual pollution and safety concerns as other justifications for the operation.
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) Corridor Management C team, led by Senior Inspector of Roads Lawrence Opondo, has issued notices to traders operating within road reserve areas in Roysambu and Githurai. pic.twitter.com/rjgeErMfmM
— Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) (@KeNHAKenya) February 12, 2026
The unrestricted spread of billboards caused visual pandemonium along key roadways, endangering both pedestrians and cars.
The James Gichuru road project attempted to restore order and improve city aesthetics, which Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja supported.
The High Court found in favor of the petitioner, preventing the order from being implemented on the reported highways.
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The OAAK went ahead and issued a warning to all crane operators, encouraging them not to remove any outdoor advertising since doing so could result in being barred from working on OAAK projects.
Additionally, failure to honour the court order attracted civil liability for disobeying a court order.
The authority further cautioned the crane operators from being used by KENHA to execute any illegal removal of any billboards in the corridor.
Finally, the operators were urged to report any person seen trying to defy the High Court orders.
High Court Blocks KeNHA From Making Changes Along James Gichuru-JKIA Corridor
