By Abdullahi Jamaa | Wajir Today | Monday, 11 May 2026
The County Government of Wajir has issued a seven-day notice ordering the removal of illegal structures erected on road reserves within Wajir municipality, setting the stage for a major enforcement operation targeting unauthorised developments in the town.
In a public notice dated May 11, the county’s Department of Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development said it had observed the construction of illegal stalls, mabati structures and plot extensions encroaching on public road reserves.
The notice directed affected residents and traders to remove the structures and restore plots to their approved boundaries within seven days or face demolition at their own cost.
“Failure to comply shall result in an enforcement action and demolition at the owner’s cost pursuant to the Physical and Land Use Planning Act, 2019 and other relevant laws,” the notice stated.
The directive was signed by Ahmed Mohamed Wardere, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development.
County officials say the move is part of broader efforts to improve urban planning, ease congestion and protect public infrastructure in the rapidly expanding municipality.
Over the years, sections of Wajir town have experienced unregulated growth, with temporary business stalls and residential extensions increasingly occupying pedestrian walkways and road corridors.
The announcement, however, triggered mixed reactions from residents on social media, with some supporting the county’s intention to reclaim public land while others raised concerns over the legality and humanitarian implications of abrupt demolitions.
Abdinoor Wagalla questioned whether the planned exercise would fully comply with constitutional safeguards and due process requirements.
“Development and protection of public road reserves are important responsibilities of the County Government and no reasonable person disputes the need for proper urban planning in Wajir. However, enforcement must still comply with the Constitution of Kenya and established legal procedures,” he posted online.
He added that Kenyan courts had previously ruled against abrupt demolitions conducted without adequate notice, consultation and humane consideration for affected families and traders.
The planned operation comes amid growing pressure on the county government to address encroachment on public land and road reserves.
It remains unclear how many structures could be affected by the planned enforcement exercise, but local traders say the directive has already created anxiety among small-scale business owners operating within the municipality.
