Politicians Face Ksh1 Million Fine for Putting Faces on Roads
Politicians may have to stop plastering their faces and names on newly built roads if a new Bill in Parliament becomes law.
The Kenya Roads (Amendment) Bill, 2025 — sponsored by Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma — seeks to ban personalised signage on public roads, arguing public infrastructure should reflect state investment not individual glory.
Under the proposed law, anyone who erects or authorises road signs displaying their name, image or likeness will face a fine of up to Ksh1 million, two years in jail or both. The Bill has already passed the National Assembly and is now before the Senate.
“The signage to be erected on any public road shall indicate the classification of the road and the level of government responsible for its management and shall not bear the name, image or likeness of any person,” reads part of the draft law.
Kaluma says the measure is meant to stop the “culture of political ownership” over projects funded by taxpayers. For years, governors, MPs and county officials have used signboards and plaques to associate themselves with road construction or rehabilitation works.
The Bill also directs that all roads display clear signage indicating whether they are national or county roads and which agency is in charge. Lawmakers say this will improve transparency and make it easier for citizens to hold the right authorities accountable for maintenance.
Road management in Kenya is currently handled by Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) and Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA).
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Politicians Face Ksh1 Million Fine for Putting Faces on Roads