Kisumu County set to relocate dumpsite

KISUMU: A dumpsite that has been an eyesore to residents for over 50 years is set to be moved.

Kachok dumpsite will be relocated to Muhoroni sub-county as a Sh800 million modern sanitary landfill following the conclusion of a feasibility study in the area.

Unlike the open dumpsite that attracts pests such as flies and rats and emits bad odour, which is hazardous to man, the landfill would be a carefully designed structure built into or on top of the ground where trash would be isolated. The landfill is set to sit on a 50-acre parcel.

The project is being funded by the French Development Agency through Kisumu Urban Project.

Kisumu Governor Jack Ranguma said he would present the feasibility study to the French investors from February 8 to 12, this year.

“The dumpsite is an eyesore. The landfill is going to be a clean place where one can even eat food,” he said.

Pressure to move the dumpsite has been mounting, with Kisumu Central MP Ken Obura giving ultimatums to the governor over the issue.

Kenya Airports Authority also said the dumpsite was a threat to planes leaving the Kisumu International Airport as it was within their flight path.