This archive report was first published on 11 May 2020.
On May 11, 2020, the Trans Nzoia County Commissioner, Samson Ojwang, announced that the Kenya Railways Corporation had temporarily allocated seven acres of land in Kitale town to ease congestion among the business community.
The move aims to relocate traders from the open air market within Kitale town, in line with the Ministry of Health's social distancing guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
According to Ojwang, the government is committed to supporting the business community during this challenging time, and the temporary allocation of land is part of these efforts.
The allocation will be done by the department of physical planning in conjunction with the County Commissioner's office, after thorough vetting with the assistance of the Chamber of Commerce.
Kitale Municipal Board Chairman, Martin Waliula, assured that proper mechanisms have been put in place to ensure that all small-scale traders are given spaces to enable them to do business.
Waliula added that hawkers and open air market traders will be given priority at the Railway ground space.
Meanwhile, the County Commissioner has warned bar owners who are sneaking clients into their premises during this time of the pandemic that those found will face the full force of the law and be quarantined at their own cost.
Records of passengers leaving and entering Kitale town are ongoing to help in contact tracing in the event of any COVID-19 case confirmation.
By Pauline Ikanda
