The traders from the Kiambu market, whose construction commenced a few months ago and who had recently relocated next to Kiambu Hospital, are now set to relocate again to the stage previously operated by Mataara Sacco.
The traders must demolish the stalls they had erected and move to the new area by the end of Saturday, December 6th.
A spot check by Kiambu Observer revealed that the plots behind the Petanns Building and Zaesco had all been marked and were ready to be occupied.
However, the traders have registered their displeasure over the move, claiming it was hurriedly executed. They argue that they had invested heavily in erecting the stalls near the hospital.
They lamented that since December is the month where sales are largely expected to boom, they now fear the worst. “Why can’t those involved with this process of settling us do it once and for all? Why are they tossing us up and down like this?” a disgruntled trader posed.
There is also a strong likelihood that they will not all be able to fit in the designated new space, leading to fears that some may be forced to go back to the drawing board.
A flurry of activities was witnessed as the traders demolished their structures, salvaging what they could, and fearing that if the deadline elapses, the authorities might find and demolish them.
Impeccable sources confided in the Kiambu Observer that the move was prevailed upon by a senior office of the Ministry of Health.
This office had allayed fears that a possible outbreak of diseases could occur due to the lack of special amenities like toilets and other needed health facilities in the area the traders were operating.
There were also growing concerns from the Kenya National Highways Authority (KENHA), which felt unsettled and feared a tragic incident could happen involving vehicles using the road.
KENHA is also in the process of expanding Kiambu Road through to Ndumberi, where the traders conduct their businesses in Kiambu town.
The Mataara Sacco operators, who had earlier resisted the move, were relocated to the lower side of the Posta Stage.
