Stalls demolished in Nyawita and Mabungo centres in Maseno

Hotels, kiosks and stalls were demolished in Nyawita and Mabungo market centres on October 29 following road expansion in the area.

The early morning debacle caught the local traders unawares for they were seen rushing to salvage their merchandise from being destroyed by a bulldozer.

The troubled ‘mama mbogas’ watched in disbelief as if they were begging for more time to relocate their businesses although their pleas hit a snag for no one could listen.

Speaking to one of traders who did not want to be identified; she said that they had been given notice since May but they did not take it serious.

‘’We can point a finger at ourselves because we were given a notice since May. However; they should have given us more time since we depend on these businesses to make ends meet,’’ she said.

She further added that (traders) will have to stay at home as they look for a way forward.

‘’I am convinced beyond doubt that most of us will have to stay at home as we look for a plan to revive our businesses’’

This is a blow to Maseno university students who are the greatest beneficiaries from the market centres.

According to Magdaline Arusei, animal science student, this may lead to escalation of prices due to shortage of products and will force students to travel for a long distance to get products.

‘’This move will make students to suffer because of low supply of products. We are appealing to the remaining traders not to rise prices of goods’’ said Magdaline.

The road has been in construction since January and is expected to pass through Chulaimbo and connect with the busy Kisumu-Busia road in a move to decongest and alleviate snarl ups which are rampant in the road.

Nyawita and Mabungo market centres came up as a result of students who reside in the market centres. They sell vegetables and foodstuffs thus making students to bear the brunt of demolition.