Ministry orders demolition of illegal structures along highways

Transport Principal Secretary John Mosonik (left) on an inspection tour at the Njoro turn off yesterday. He ordered demolishion of illegal structures along the Nakuru- Eldoret highway. PHOTO: KIPSANG JOSEPH

The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure has directed that all structures erected along main highways be demolished.

Transport Permanent Secretary John Mosonik said this will ensure safety of road users.

He said it is unfortunate that despite the order, a section of the public continuously encroach road reserves and set up illegal structures like shops.

“Road authorities, including traffic officers should demolish all illegal structures erected along the road and prosecute those who ignore the order because they pose risk to traders, pedestrians and motorists,” said Eng Mosonik. The Transport PS revealed that the ministry is in talks with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and Traffic department to ensure traffic rules are observed to curb increased number of road deaths.

He urged NTSA to set up designated areas where traders can be allowed to conduct their businesses without obstructing transport or risking other people’s lives.

The directive comes at a time Rift Valley Regional Traffic Enforcement officer Mary Omari decried increased road accidents.

Mosonik spoke yesterday at Soilo area in Njoro, during his check of progress of interchange roads launched by President Uhuru Kenyatta last month including Nyahururu, Njoro and Mau Summit turn-offs.

The project is funded by the World Bank at a cost of Sh2.6 billion.

The PS said Njoro and Mau Summi interchanges are expected to be completed by year-end while Nyahururu should be accomplished by March next year.

According to Mosonik, the major setback the project faced had been acquiring land and compensating those who volunteered their parcel of land, however, he says, the issue has since been resolved after the Government engaged Kenya Railways Authority to avail land.