Hawkers given up to end month to relocate from Nakuru CBD

Hawkers operating within the central business district (CBD) in Nakuru town have been given up to New Year to relocate or face forcible eviction.

Governor Kinuthia Mbugua said the high number of hawkers in the town's streets had led to congestion in the CBD and scared away investors.

"We have been patient with you for long, but I am now giving you up to the end of this month to clear your stock as you will not be allowed to sell your merchandise in the CBD from January next year," warned Mbugua.

He said most food hawkers have forced some hotel businesses to close shop as they have pitched tent right at their doorstep.

The governor said the hawkers should relocate to the newly refurbished Kiratina and Wakulima markets, which his administration has designated for them.

"I also call on the county revenue collectors not to take any levy from the hawkers come January to ensure they keep off the streets. To avoid any trouble, they should do the honourable thing by not stepping into the town," he said.

Coveted status

Nakuru town, he said, was one of the cleanest towns in the country and his administration was working to ensure it regains the coveted status.

Mr Mbugua also called on residents living in the county's houses to pay rent on time or risk being evicted.

"We waived all the arrears of the tenants in the houses previously owned by the defunct municipal council. We need need revenue to run the county's operations and anyone who thinks he can live in the houses without paying rent is misguided," said Mbugua.

Mbugua's administration also demolished several kiosks in the town in June, as part of efforts to 'clean up' the county's third largest urban centre.

The demolitions sparked protests, with those affected accusing the county government of failing to provide them with an alternative market to conduct their business.

They have further accused Kinuthia of reneging on a pre-election pledge not to interfere with businesses in Nakuru's CBD. The hawkers, however, got a temporary reprieve in July after the High Court stopped the demolitions until a case challenging it is concluded.