A section of Kisumu traders under the Somali Base group has called on Governor Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o to intervene and stop private developers from fencing off their place of work. The traders, who operate in the Jua Kali sector, staged protests on Thursday, decrying what they term an attempt to displace them without consultation.
Speaking to the media, Somali Base Chairman George Ng’uono stated that Kisumu City Manager Abala Wanga had initially allowed them to operate in the area but prohibited them from erecting permanent structures. While they adhered to this directive, they were now shocked to see a private developer fencing the space, effectively blocking their access.
“We were told not to put up any structures, and we have followed that directive. Now, we are shocked to see private developers fencing the place. We will not allow eviction until we are told where to go,” Ng’uono said.
Kopako Jack, another Somali Base member, urged Kenya Railways, the landowner, to address the issue and hold the private developers accountable. “I am asking Kenya Railways to bring these developers forward to face us. Our City Manager, Abala Wanga, told us that unless an approval letter is issued, no one should put up a structure here,” he noted.
The traders insist that they will not move unless proper consultations take place. Ng’uono emphasized that 14 groups, comprising over 4,000 artisans, operate under Somali Base in the Jua Kali sector and should not be displaced without a relocation plan.
MCA Calls for Governor’s Intervention
Kisumu Jua Kali artisans have also appealed to Governor Nyong’o to negotiate with Kenya Railways to delay their eviction until a suitable alternative site is identified. Kisumu Railways Ward MCA Sammy Onyango stated that the county government had initially agreed to host the artisans on Kenya Railways land while working on plans to relocate them to an industrial park.
“The stay was temporary as the county was to source a permanent place for our people,” Onyango said. He added that the governor now has the responsibility to engage Kenya Railways to prevent further annexation of the land before a solution is found.
The MCA, currently out of the country, spoke shortly after the traders raised concerns over an alleged plan to evict them. He warned that leasing out sections of the land was a strategy to gradually displace the artisans.
“It is the city that gives approvals. Please, let’s halt any further leasing until we find a permanent solution,” Onyango urged.
He further emphasized the economic importance of Jua Kali, which employs a significant number of residents in the Nyanza region, and called for leadership unity to protect their livelihoods.
“I am a product of Jua Kali, and we must stand up as leaders to safeguard the interests of our people,” he said.
Onyango also cautioned against politicizing the matter, warning that political interference could derail negotiations. He assured the traders that he would lead a delegation to meet Governor Nyong’o next week to chart the way forward.
“Politics will cloud everything, and we will end up losing everything. Let’s stay focused,” he advised.
The traders now await action from both the county government and Kenya Railways to ensure their livelihoods are safeguarded.
