NAIROBI, Kenya – The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has issued a stern warning to political candidates and their supporters against placing campaign posters on road signs and other highway structures, saying the practice endangers lives.
The agency said the posters obscure critical traffic information, raising the risk of accidents as campaigns intensify ahead of the November 27 by-elections.
“The public is cautioned against this act as it proves to be destructive to motorists plying the affected routes, which could lead to accidents and possible loss of lives,” KeNHA said in a statement.
The authority reminded the public that defacing or damaging road infrastructure, including traffic signs, guardrails and other indicators, is a criminal offence.
Offenders risk fines of not less than Sh85,000, imprisonment, or both.
KeNHA also urged Kenyans to report incidents of vandalism or illegal poster placement to the nearest KeNHA office, police station, or through its toll-free hotline: 0800 211244.
It has come to the attention of the Authority that roads signs have been defaced with posters, including those of campaigning candidates in areas scheduled for by elections. The public is cautioned against this act as it proves to be destructive to motorists plying the affected
By-elections in 24 electoral units
The warning comes as the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) prepares for by-elections in 24 constituencies and wards across the country.
The races include one senatorial seat, six parliamentary seats, and 16 ward seats, arising from resignations, nullified results, and deaths.
Campaigning officially runs from October 8 to November 24, with candidates permitted to campaign daily between 7am and 6pm.
KeNHA has stressed that while political competition is expected to intensify, compliance with road safety regulations is “non-negotiable.”
Protecting highways a “shared responsibility”
The highways authority said it will step up surveillance on roads during the campaign period to ensure highways remain free of posters and obstructions.
It appealed to citizens to take an active role in safeguarding road infrastructure.
“Maintaining safety on highways is a shared responsibility,” the agency noted, warning that defacing road signs could have consequences not only for offenders but for all road users.
