This archive report was first published on 5 August 2019.
More than 100 small-scale traders in Siaya have been served eviction notices by the county government, sparking a heated dispute over plans to demolish their kiosks. The county administration claims the structures contravene the Physical Planning Act and must be demolished to allow for proper town planning.
However, the traders have vowed to stay put, accusing the county administration of failing to offer them alternative space. They argue that they contribute significantly to the county's revenue and should not be harassed.
According to Hillary Oduor, a spokesperson for the traders, they have been receiving threats from the county regime since 2017. "How can they write to us telling us to remove our kiosks from the town without giving us an alternative? No trader will vacate his kiosk until we get a proper communication from the authorities," Oduor said.
County Executive for Lands and Physical Planning Adrian Ouma has assured the traders that alternatives are being pursued and they will be alerted. However, the traders remain skeptical, citing a lack of concrete plans from the county administration.
Published on August 5, 2019.
