Night Demolitions Leave Roysambu and Kasarani Traders Facing Huge Losses

Hundreds of traders in Roysambu and Kasarani are struggling to come to terms with the destruction of their businesses after bulldozers moved in during the night. The operation cleared dozens of kiosks and small roadside shops located along the busy Thika Superhighway. By sunrise, many traders found the places where they worked reduced to debris.

The affected traders say they have lost goods, equipment and structures worth millions of shillings. For many of them, the stalls were their only way of earning a living. Some sold snacks and groceries while others offered services like phone repairs and mobile money transfers. Now they are left uncertain about how they will support their families.

The demolitions were carried out under the authority of the Kenya National Highways Authority. The agency maintains that the structures were built on land reserved for the highway. Officials say clearing the area is necessary to keep the road corridor free for safety and future developments.

Traders, however, say the operation was painful and unexpected. Several claimed they had little time to move their belongings before the machines arrived. “We depended on these businesses every day,” one trader said. “Now everything is gone and we don’t know where to begin again.”

The demolitions come shortly after a similar exercise in Githurai 45. In that case, authorities explained that the land would be used for a planned parking yard. The recent action has therefore raised concern among traders in nearby locations.

Business owners in Allsops and the Drive area say they have already received notices warning them to vacate. Many fear that more demolitions could follow along the highway.

For now, traders in Roysambu and Kasarani are left counting their losses and searching for alternatives. What once were busy trading spots filled with customers have now turned into empty spaces, leaving many families worried about their next source of income.