This archive report was first published on 7 January 2020.
January 5, 2019, marked the beginning of a contentious process in Kakamega town as the county government embarked on demolishing stalls and kiosks built on road reserves. The operation, overseen by Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, aimed to develop the town by expanding the roads.
However, the move has left many small business owners counting losses as their operations are paralyzed. The traders claim that the county authorities did not afford them sufficient time to demolish their structures and relocate their businesses.
According to the traders, they had secured loans to supplement their businesses, and the disruption of operations has left them worried about how they will settle the loans. Governor Oparanya defended the process, stating that it is meant to bring sanity to the town.
During the town cleanup, the governor faced off with matatu operators and small and medium enterprise (SME) owners. He threatened to sack county officers who have been colluding with traders to erect illegal structures.
"I know we have employed corrupt officers who collect bribes from the traders to be allowed to operate from prohibited areas, I will lead the demolition of the structures until we bring sanity in the town," Governor Oparanya said.
The county boss also instructed that all saloon cars be parked at designated sites near Bukhungu stadium. Kakamega Town has experienced rapid development in the last five years, with the construction of the Bukhungu Stadium, expansion of the Kakamega Referral Hospital, and establishment of individual permanent structures.
