The dilemma that is the 20,000 traders in Kisii town’s streets

Kenya National Highways Authority General Director Peter Mundinia speaking when he paid a courtesy call to Governor James Ongwae at his office. [Sammy Omingo/Standard]

With less than three months left before Kisii County hosts this year's Madaraka Day celebrations, officials from the municipality board and the county government are facing a herculean task trying to relocate nearly 20,000 traders from the town's streets.

With President Uhuru Kenyatta expected to lead Kenyans in marking 57 years of self-rule, the fete offers the county leadership a golden opportunity to re-organise the town by reclaiming public land that has been grabbed in the past 20 years.