This archive report was first published on 4 September 2019.
Kenya Railways' latest move to fence off several buildings in Kisumu Town has sent shockwaves through the business community, with many fearing for their livelihoods. The development comes just weeks after thousands of people were rendered jobless due to demolitions in the area.
Among the affected buildings are the iconic Swan Center, part of Mega Plaza Mall, and several structures along Obote road. The fencing off of a key road connecting the town to Lwang'ni Beach, which was demolished weeks ago, has also raised concerns among nearby tenants.
On Wednesday, landlords and tenants were left scrambling for their next move as members of the National Youth Service began erecting fences. They claimed that they did not receive any notice to vacate the premises and criticized Kenya Railways for its handling of the demolitions.
Swan Center, which houses several offices, including the Standard Group Kisumu office, Choppies Supermarket, and the Kenya Maritime Authority Western region offices, is set to be the hardest hit. The building is also home to the Kenya Revenue Authority, which occupies three floors, as well as a bank and several restaurants.
According to the proprietors of the building, they did not receive any notice to inform tenants to vacate the building. The development is set to be a major blow to the county's economy, which is already reeling from the effects of previous demolitions.
