This archive report was first published on 30 November 2019.
Charles Alluang'a, a 49-year-old basket weaver from Eldoret, has been living by the roadside for over three years, weaving baskets using plastic material from second-hand clothes. He had no other place to go, and the roadside spot also served as his store for raw materials.
However, on Tuesday, the county administration relocated Alluang'a to a new stall at the Eldoret 64 municipal market, a move that was criticized by some residents who feared he had been taken away from his business.
Speaking to the Saturday Standard on Thursday, a jubilant Alluang'a said, 'Council askaris picked me up and relocated me from the St Luke, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital junction to this new area. I am happy that I am now housed and protected from bad weather.'
Despite the new premise having no charges, Alluang'a expressed concerns that he would have to find new ways to market his baskets, as most of his customers use them for tea picking. He added that he would have to set days to hawk the baskets, but the new location would provide easy access to raw materials.
Emily Kogos, the Executive member for Trade, said that the department relocated Alluang'a for safety reasons, citing the dangers of traffic along the busy road and the environmental challenge posed by his raw materials.
Ms Kogos added that her department would monitor Alluang'a's trade and health to ensure he thrives in his new location.
