KeNHA warns public as repeat offender jailed over road vandalism
In its Friday statement, KeNHA noted that Tsuma had a previous conviction in 2023 for a similar offence.
A man has been sentenced to three years in jail or fined Sh3 million for vandalising reinforcement bars on the Miritini–Kipevu Road in Mombasa.
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) said the man, identified as Tsuma, was arrested after he was found removing the metal bars, which are essential for road strength and safety.
In its Friday statement, KeNHA noted that Tsuma had a previous conviction in 2023 for a similar offence.
He was then sentenced to community service, which the court took into account before issuing the new sentence.
KeNHA warned that vandalism damages key infrastructure and puts road users at risk.
"As an Authority, we urge all Kenyans to protect road furniture and report any acts of vandalism to our offices or the nearest police station," KeNHA said.
The authority encouraged members of the public to report any form of vandalism and shared its toll-free number.
"If you witness any form of vandalism on our highways, kindly contact us through our toll-free line at 0800211244."
KeNHA said safeguarding road infrastructure is a shared responsibility and asked Kenyans to remain alert to any suspicious activities.
The authority is responsible for the development and maintenance of National Trunk Roads, which include Class S, A, and B roads.
It was created under the Kenya Roads Act of 2007 and began operations in September 2008. It has ten regional offices and three corridor management offices, with its main office in Nairobi.
KeNHA also manages all weighbridge installations and ensures roads are built and maintained to required standards.
It received ISO 9001:2008 certification in 2013 and was later recertified under ISO 9001:2015 in 2018.
In recent months, the authority has expressed concern over increased cases of road vandalism, particularly targeting road signs and steel structures.
The Kenya Roads Act provides legal guidelines for handling such cases, including Section 49, which restricts unauthorised works on, over, or under roads without permission from the authority.
KeNHA said action will continue to be taken against anyone found damaging road infrastructure, and it urged the public to play an active role in protecting public assets.
