This archive report was first published on 16 November 2019.
On November 16, 2019, Kenya Railways Corporation Managing Director Richard Mainga handed over a 23-acre parcel of land to Nyanza Regional Commissioner James Kianda on behalf of over 20,000 traders who were evicted from Kisumu to pave way for the modernization of Kisumu Port.
The land, which will host a multi-sectoral business centre including a market, bus park, and other social facilities, will be funded by the national government and international donors.
Regional Commissioner James Kianda announced that construction works will begin next week, with the first occupancy expected in three months.
According to Kianda, the project will be implemented in phases due to its complexity, with different structures being built at different times.
Richard Awiti, the Juakali Association Chairman, welcomed the agency's move, saying it will greatly boost trade in the region.
It's worth noting that about 10,000 traders were displaced, while the remaining 10,000 are currently on part of the land where the park will be set up, having received an eviction notice from the Kenya Railways Corporation.
