Nakuru hawkers cry foul over relocation of matatus

Hawkers have protested the relocation of matatus from Karimbux Lane back to the central business district (CBD).

The traders claimed that the decision taken by Governor Kinuthia Mbugua’s administration will deny them an opportunity to earn a living.

Nakuru Street Traders and Hawkers Association Chairman Simon ole Nasieku accused the governor of going against an agreement between his government and over 2,000 traders.

HAWKERS EVICTED

In January last year, the government evicted all hawkers from the CBD in an effort to decongest the town and allocated them another area from where to operate.

According to Nasieku, it was agreed that matatus be relocated to the same venue as the hawkers to ensure the traders remained in business.

“The county government and the area MCA Stephen Kuria even went ahead and constructed lockable stalls for the hawkers,” he said.

However last week, the government allowed a group of matatus plying the Nakuru-Molo route to return to the CBD.