The Nakuru County Government has announced plans to relocate and resettle hawkers operating near highways and unsafe areas within Naivasha.
There was drama as tens of hawkers scrambled for space along Mama Ngina Street as the exercise kicked off.
According to Viwandani Ward Member of County Assembly (MCA) Eunice Mureithi, alias Mama Soko, who was spearheading the process, the first phase would benefit more than 100 hawkers.
Ms Mureithi said beneficiaries were those operating near the district hospital and outside the Naivasha bus terminus.
"We have seen that some of the small-scale traders are suffering and we have decided to resettle them in conducive areas," she said.
Speaking in Naivasha yesterday, the MCA noted that the beneficiaries would first be registered and vetted later.
But Naivasha Sub-County Administrator Robert Ndung'u termed the exercise as illegal.
Demolition order
"The move is illegal and I have directed sub-county askaris to demolish any structures on this section of the road," Mr Ndung'u said.
He said putting up structures near the medical facility posed a health hazard to tens of patients, saying the sub-county had a mapping strategy indicating where kiosks would be erected around the lakeside town.
His sentiments were echoed by Naivasha Sub-County Referral Hospital Superintendent Dr Joseph Mburu who termed the move as illegal.
He noted that some structures had been put up behind the facility's mortuary, a move he termed as a health hazard.
"The new structures will affect the operations of the hospital and we have raised our concern with the county government," he said.
Yesterday, tens of potential beneficiaries armed with construction materials camped next to the road.
Meanwhile, the Agriculture ministry has embarked on a research programme in pastoral regions aimed at increasing livestock production.
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Speaking in Baringo County's Mogotio last week, Principal Secretary Fred Segor said the study will help to introduce better breeds.
He said more farmers will be attracted to livestock production that contributes 14 per cent of the gross domestic product.
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