THE Thika Environment and Land Court on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, temporarily halted construction of the Gitaru interchange, which links the Nakuru–Nairobi highway, Western and Southern Bypasses.
This followed complaints by property owners bordering the project, who claimed that construction had made their businesses and homes inaccessible.
Petitioners informed the court that their properties are located near the V-junction where the highway splits towards the Western Bypass and flows into the Gitaru area.
They further complained that the road construction had forced them to use an alternative 800-meter route, which connects the highway and the bypass.
Petitioners blamed the Kenya National Highway Authority (KeNHA) for installing concrete barriers that blocked direct highway access. These barriers were meant to protect workers and manage traffic during the ongoing work.
They argued that even though the highway expansion was meant for public benefit, the recent phase of construction had given them limited access to their homes and businesses.
Court documents also revealed that KeNHA began heavy excavation works in September 2025, which left the petitioners’ properties elevated by up to seven metres above road level.
This made it impossible to access their land by car or even on foot, thereby affecting their economic activities and daily life.
“The petitioners are now forced to climb steep slopes to reach their properties, posing health and safety risks,” the court heard.
Petitioners also raised concerns that once the construction is complete, the high-speed road would endanger their safety since it will mainly serve heavy trucks from the A104 highway and the Gitaru interchange.
They also accused KeNHA of not conducting proper public participation before starting the project, arguing that the lack of a service lane or slip road had also lowered the value of their properties.
