Court halts Gitaru link road after owners complain of restricted access
Residents say their properties are situated at the V-junction where the Nakuru–Nairobi Highway splits toward the Western bypass, entering the Gitaru area.
Property owners in Gitaru, Kiambu County, have successfully paused the construction of a link road connecting the Nakuru–Nairobi Highway to the Western bypass after complaining that the project has cut off access to their homes and businesses.
The Environment and Land Court in Thika issued a temporary injunction to halt all ongoing works pending a full hearing.
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“Pending the inter-partes hearing of this application, a temporary injunction be issued barring the 1st respondents, contractors, servants, agents and or representatives from any further development, construction of any kind, commissioning for use of the road linking Nakuru-Nairobi Highway A104 and the Western by-pass abutting the petitioners' properties in Gitaru,” the court ruled.
Residents say their properties are situated at the V-junction where the Nakuru–Nairobi Highway splits toward the Western bypass, entering the Gitaru area.
They explained that although the road project was intended to improve traffic flow and serve public interest, the ongoing works have made it extremely difficult for them to access their own premises.
The petitioners told the court that they previously used an alternative link road about 800 metres long, which runs alongside their properties, but access was blocked when the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) installed jersey barriers to protect workers and redirect vehicles.
They say the barriers, coupled with large-scale excavation along the property boundaries, have forced them to reach their homes and businesses on foot.
“At first, the construction caused only minor inconveniences, and we accepted the disruptions believing the road upgrade was for the public good,” the petitioners stated.
However, in late September, as KeNHA accelerated the construction of the interchange, access to properties was heavily restricted.
They claim the works have left their properties elevated by five to seven metres above the road, limiting both pedestrian and vehicle entry and creating safety risks.
Court documents also state that the inability to use a slip road or service lane has adversely affected property values.
“The net effect of the respondents’ actions to fast-track the road project was to close the road project and limit access and properties abutting the road to pedestrians,” the court documents added.
The residents warned that without proper access, the use of their properties is unsafe and difficult, further affecting their daily lives and economic activity.
The Environment and Land Court has scheduled the full hearing for November 11, when the petitioners and KeNHA will present their arguments.
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