Home National News Kitui Traders Protest Eviction Notice at KMTC Area

Kitui Traders Protest Eviction Notice at KMTC Area

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Traders operating near the Kitui Medical Training College (KMTC) area are up in arms after receiving an eviction notice from the Kitui County Government. The notice instructs them to remove their business structures within 30 meters towards town and 20 meters towards KMTC to allow for road reserve improvement works. The traders, many of whom have operated in the area for several years, expressed their disappointment, claiming they have been paying taxes and deserve a conducive environment to do business.

The affected traders lamented that county officials have threatened to demolish their structures and confiscate their goods without offering an alternative area for relocation. Agnes Mutisya, one of the traders, said, “We are paying taxes and we, therefore, need a conducive environment to do business.” Many of the traders rely on their businesses to support their families, pay school fees, service loans, and cover living expenses. They expressed shock at the sudden eviction notice, which they claim goes against promises made by the county administration during the last election campaign.

Kasyoka, another trader, described the eviction as unfair, stating, “I don’t understand why it has now become illegal to operate from here yet they are still collecting taxes from us. We need to be provided with an alternative space.” The traders urged Governor Dr. Julius Malombe to honor his campaign promise to protect small businesses and ensure that no one would be forcefully evicted without being given proper alternatives.

Speaking exclusively to our reporter, Kitui Township MCA Hon. Ngoima Kimanzi acknowledged the traders’ concerns but emphasized the importance of the planned infrastructure improvements. He noted that the county government aims to improve the area’s road infrastructure and cleanliness, adding that the space is critical for easy access to the Kitui County Referral Hospital. “We shouldn’t politicize this issue,” Kimanzi stated, urging the traders not to obstruct the development plans.

Kimanzi also revealed that the area had already been handed over to a contractor a month ago, and the construction work is scheduled to begin shortly. He stressed that while the traders’ grievances are valid, the road reserve must be cleared to make way for the necessary improvements. The government, he argued, is committed to enhancing the town’s infrastructure for the benefit of all residents.

The eviction notice, issued earlier in the week, gives traders seven days to remove their temporary structures. It explicitly warns that enforcement will take place after the seven-day deadline, meaning traders must comply with the order or risk losing their businesses. The traders, however, remain defiant and are calling for dialogue with the county leadership to resolve the issue.

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