The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has issued a fresh directive requiring all advertisers using roadside billboards, directional signs, and utility wayleave spaces on national roads to renew their permits within fourteen days.
In a public notice dated February 10, KenHA states that all owners of billboards, directional signs, and utility wayleave assets must pay the annual renewal fees and clear any arrears within the stated window.
According to KenHA, the move is part of a wider push by the authority to streamline revenue collection and enforce compliance on highways.
KenHA Orders Advertisers
The renewal process is now fully digital, with the agency directing users to complete the procedure through permits.kenha.co.ke.
The authority sets enforcement to begin on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, immediately after the renewal period ends.
KenHA says enforcement will include field inspections and action on non-compliant or unauthorized structures.
Costs incurred in removing or regularizing non-compliant installations will be recovered from the owners.
The authority notes that enforcement will proceed without further reference to owners who fail to meet the renewal requirements.
“At the expiry of this period, on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, enforcement action will follow, including the demolition of the structures and the recovery of all related costs, without further reference to the owners or agents,” the notice read.
KenHA clarifies that the directive applies to any party occupying or using the national road reserve for advertising or utility wayleave purposes.
This includes billboard owners, installers of directional signs, and entities with cables, poles, ducts, or other utility infrastructure within the road corridor.
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All such users must hold valid permits and present proof of compliance during renewal.
Verification Rules for Use of Existing Structures
The notice also addresses individuals or organizations wishing to utilize the services of existing billboards or utility wayleaves.
KenHA instructs them to first confirm the compliance status of the structures with the respective service providers.
Applicants are required to forward copies of the service providers’ valid permits to the email address specified by KenHA for verification.
The authority indicates that approvals will not be granted where the underlying structure or utility is not duly permitted.
“Any firm/individual who wish to utilize the services of the erected Billboards or Utility Wayleave should undertake due diligence on the compliance status of the service provider by forwarding copies of their (service providers) valid permits to the [email protected] for verification,” read part of the statement by KenHA.
KenHA emphasizes that no grace period will apply beyond the deadline.
Owners with outstanding arrears are instructed to settle all dues as part of the renewal process.
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The directive covers both annual renewals and settlement of any pending obligations tied to the advertised assets or wayleave installations.
Required Documents Before Approval
KeNHA requires a full set of technical and legal documents before approving any billboard or advertising structure on a national highway.
Applicants must submit detailed engineering designs, showing the structural specifications and measurements of the proposed installation.
KeNHA also requires geo‑referenced layout plans to identify the exact coordinates and positioning of the structure within the road reserve.
Proof of land ownership or lease rights must be provided to confirm legal access to the proposed site.
Applicants are further required to submit Environmental and Social Impact Assessment statements as part of the compliance process, together with valid tax compliance certificates.
KeNHA adds that applicants using existing billboard structures must verify the compliance status of those structures with the service provider.
They must also forward copies of the service provider’s valid permit to KeNHA for confirmation.
All applications and renewals must be submitted exclusively through the KeNHA online permit portal.
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