The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has cracked down on the Busia County Government after it erected an illegal sign forcing motorists to pay fake fines of Ksh20,000.
In a notice dated June 13, KeNHA confirmed that the sign was put up without approval from the National Roads Authority.
“We visited the site and observed that the sign was installed on the frontage of the Governor’s premises, presumably to restrict its usage by vehicles or traders.
“We note that no approval has been issued to the County Government of Busia for the installation of the sign,” the notice reads.
The sign installed by the county reads: “No parking of vehicles is allowed around this zone. Offenders will be arrested and charged. Ordered by the County Government of Busia.”
KeNHA, however, ordered the Busia County Government to remove the sign with immediate effect.
The authority also warned the county to follow the proper legal process if it wishes to make any changes in future.
“As such, a directive has been issued to the county to immediately remove the sign and follow the due process to acquire its approval,” KeNHA noted.
Additionally, Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah confirmed that the county government had extorted motorists using unauthorised signs to impose Ksh20,000 fines.
"Despite their illegality, they are reportedly being used to impose fines of up to Ksh20,000, often without legal justification or due process," Omtatah stated.
Omtatah warned that public roads cannot be taken over by any government for personal gain.
“Public roads cannot be privatised or turned into toll points by rogue actors. We are guarding Kenya’s role as East Africa’s trade gateway and protecting the rights of motorists, traders, and citizens,” Omtatah said.
