Kisumu hawkers banned from vending in central business district

Vending within Kisumu city's central business district has been outlawed.

Kisumu's city manager Abala Wanga said hawkers will not be allowed anywhere within the CBD and firm instructions have been issued to the city's inspectorate department to enforce the directive.

Abala told journalists that the decision has been arrived at to allow traders to occupy new markets such as the Uhuru Business Park complex and 12 other modern markets within the City.

He at the same time announced that the city authorities would not be confiscating goods from vendors as a change of tact.

Instead, he said those flaunting the ban will be arrested and slapped with heavy fines.

Abala further directed traders who operate stalls on top of drainages to remove them immediately.

The directive also applies to traders with stalls outside the Jubilee market and the bus park without approvals.

He advised traders who are utilizing the space meant for the second phase of the construction of Kibuye Market against erecting permanent structures.

"You can only put up temporary stalls so that by June this year when work starts you don't obstruct the process," he said.

Addressing inspectorate officers during a meeting, Abala further warned residents who have livestock within the estates that any loitering animal in the City will be confiscated.

Owners will also be fined Sh 1,000 per livestock.

The city manager also directed the inspectorate division to conduct regular patrols along the airport road to stop animals from destroying tree seedlings planted along the Airport Corridor.

The city authorities planted several trees along the corridor as part of the city greening program.

According to Abala, the city's traffic marshalls will henceforth help control traffic within the CBD.

"The current bus stages which are illegal at Kamas and Ahero Mowuok will be removed immediately," he said.

Abala explained that the move to do away with the two bus stops is meant to bring sanity to the traffic flow.

According to the City manager, the Street Families menace in the CBD will be fully handled by January 15 this year.

"We are targeting areas around Oile and Taifa public parks. We have realized that the street families have become a security risk to those planning to use the parks for recreation," he added.

He put on notice cane hauling trailers, announcing that they would have to pay a new tax to help in clearing the garbage of cane spilled on the roads.

"Sugarcane trucks will pay Sh 10,000 which will facilitate the cleaning of the sugarcane waste left on the road," he announced.