Relief for traders, commuters as renovated terminus opened

Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka addresses residents during the Mashujaa Day celebrations at Masinde Muliro Stadium in Kanduyi. Lusaka said his team is determined to offer services to the locals. [PHOTO: DANIEL PSIRMOI]

Bungoma; Kenya: Business people and commuters inconvenienced by the closure of the Bungoma main stage have a reason to smile after the stage was officially reopened.

The stage that serves hundreds of people was closed down for renovation and refurbishment, at a cost of Sh147 million, two years ago. The facility, which was officially opened by Governor Ken Lusaka on Wednesday, has over 50 stalls and is equipped with street lights.

Speaking at the official reopening, Mr Lusaka said the county government would refurbish other stages in urban centres and build new ones.

“Plans are in top gear to build another stage in Kanduyi town, on the outskirts of Bungoma town, to serve travellers and transporters from Eldoret, Malaba, Chwele and Kimilili towns. We want to reduce congestion in Bungoma town,” said the governor.

REHABILITATION

Lusaka also said street children who have been harassing residents in the town would be moved out of the town centre.

“We have identified land in Musikoma on the outskirts of Bungoma town where the street children will be taken for rehabilitation,” revealed the governor.

Bungoma County Commissioner Maalim Mohamed, executive committee members John Munyasia (Lands and Urban Planning) and Stephen Kokonya (Youth, Gender and Sports) attended the event. Majimbo Okumu, the county assembly majority leader, and other members of the county assembly were also present.

Mr Maalim said security agents would be deployed to the stage, which would be under 24-hour police surveillance.