Transport Cabinet secretary (CS) James Macharia has said the government will facilitate the relocation of the people running small businesses along the railway line in Central Kenya region.

Macharia said the traders will be given time to get alternative place of settlement and the ministry will assist them.

Speaking in Murang’a, the CS said the reconstruction of the railway line could take up to two years and the traders will have time to reorganize themselves.

He moved to address the flight of thousands of traders in Mbombo Murang’a, Karatina and Chaka in Nyeri who operate businesses along and near the railway.

Two weeks ago, the traders protested the move to be evicted from the site without being shown an alternate place for settlement.

“As we carry on the development project, we are cautious of the social economic impact for the people likely to be affected,” said Macharia.

“Most of these traders are women who are working hard to feed their families and we have to get a solution for them,” he added.