Over 10,000 small scale traders who were evicted from National government land in Kisumu town can now breathe a sigh of relief after Kenya Railways (KR) surrendered 23 acres of its land to resettle them.
The KR Managing Director, Philip Mainga on Wednesday handed over the land tittle deed to Nyanza Regional Commissioner (CC), James Kianda at Jua Kali area where a modern market is to be put up to accommodate the evictees.
The Transport Principal Secretary (PS), Esther Koimet and her Fisheries counterpart, Prof. Ntiba Micheni, who attended the function said the government was keen to ensure small scale traders play their role in helping achieve President Uhuru Kenyatta’s big four Agenda.
“We are working under inter-government and multi-agency approach involving both national and county government to ensure the small scale traders have a conducive environment to contribute to President Uhuru Kenyatta’s big four agenda,” said Koimet.
Koimet said President Kenyatta has given infrastructural development on Lake Victoria a priority following revitalisation of Kisumu inland port, the construction of oil jetty and rail network to enhance transport in the East African Community region.
She said Kisumu was a key and strategic town within the EAC region and revival of Lake Transport will enhance trade in the area.
The Kisumu town small scale traders have been uneasy after Kenya Railway demolished their structures constructed on Kenya Railways land and they have been pushing both National and County government to find them an alternative area to work from.
The RC said the traders will be involved in plan of the construction to ensure all sectors are accommodated.
He said the market will have several components, including stalls, eateries and garages with a provision for transport services.
The KR has regained nearly 300 acres of its prime land in Kisumu town, most of which it had lost to individuals under dubious means.
By George Kaiga
