Two people have been arrested and fined for farming inside a protected road reserve along the Njoro–Mau Summit road.
In a statement released on Saturday, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) said the two were found cultivating crops within the road reserve along the Njoro–Mau Summit Road (B129) during an enforcement operation.
The operation was carried out by officers from KeNHA’s South Rift region, led by a Roads Superintendent and supported by the Axle Load Enforcement Unit.
According to the authority, the suspects were arrested on the spot and later taken to court where they were convicted. Each of them was fined Ksh10,000 or face three months in jail if they fail to pay the fine.
KeNHA said the crackdown is part of ongoing efforts to stop illegal activities taking place within road reserves.
“KeNHA South Rift Region has taken enforcement action against unlawful activities within the road reserve along the Njoro–Mau Summit (B129) Road,” the authority said.
The agency also warned members of the public against encroaching on road reserves, noting that the areas are protected and should not be used for farming or any other activities.
According to KeNHA, keeping the road reserves clear helps improve road safety and allows space for maintenance work and future expansion projects.
Officials noted that farming close to highways can be risky because crops, structures or farm tools near the road may block drivers’ visibility or even cause accidents, especially on busy roads.
The arrests come at a time when construction work is ongoing on the expansion of the Rironi–Mau Summit Road Expansion Project, one of the government’s major road projects.
The project, estimated to cost about Ksh170 billion, covers a 170-kilometre stretch connecting Nairobi to the Rift Valley and western Kenya.
Under the plan, the road will be upgraded to a four-lane dual carriageway from Rironi to Naivasha and a six-lane dual carriageway between Naivasha and Nakuru.
The government has indicated that some sections of the highway are expected to be ready by April 2027, with the entire project scheduled for completion before June the same year.
KeNHA has also faced criticism over the clearing of trees along the route to pave the way for the expansion. However, the authority has maintained that it will plant four trees for every one tree that is cut down.
