Traders operating along the busy Thika Superhighway in the Roysambu area woke up to heavy losses after authorities carried out a demolition exercise targeting structures built on the road reserve.
The operation, led by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) and backed by a large contingent of security officers, began at around 1:20am on Thursday.
Roadside kiosks, stalls and small shops were brought down using heavy machinery as officers secured the area to prevent interference with the exercise.
Witnesses said hundreds of security personnel had been deployed to oversee the demolition, which continued into the morning hours. The operation also caused slow-moving traffic along sections of the Thika Superhighway as motorists slowed down to observe the unfolding events.
According to KeNHA, the demolished structures had illegally encroached on the road reserve and posed a significant safety risk to motorists and pedestrians using the busy highway corridor.
The authority said the demolition followed the expiry of an earlier notice issued to traders, ordering them to vacate the area voluntarily.
Officials further explained that the clearance is part of plans to create designated pick-up and drop-off points for buses and matatus along the highway.
KeNHA noted that the move is expected to improve order along the highway, enhance commuter safety and help ease traffic congestion in the Roysambu section of the major transport corridor.
