Kisumu in for stringent hygiene standards to spur tourism growth
By Kepher Otieno, January 8, 2024Sugarcane transporters and livestock herders in Kisumu City will face strict penalties as authorities crack down on activities that compromise cleanliness and order.
City manager Abala Wanga announced new fines and bans effective this month to promote a cleaner and more habitable environment.
“We want to make Kisumu city and its environs the most habitable and clean place to attract more tourists to our city,” Wanga said.
Grazing animals within Kisumu city streets or loitering in the Central Business District (CBD) will now incur a fine of Sh1,000. Cane transporters spilling sugarcane on the road will face a Ksh10,000 fine. Additionally, hawkers are banned from vending goods or foodstuffs on the streets within Kisumu City Municipality.
Fines to be imposed
City council askaris will enforce the new orders, with penalties including arrests and heavy fines for non-compliance.
Livestock owners in residential areas are warned that animals found loitering within the city will be confiscated, and fines will be imposed.
Wanga emphasized the need to make Kisumu City and its surroundings more attractive for tourists.
He urged traders to utilize the completed Uhuru Business Park and 12 other modern markets within the city. The Sh450 million Uhuru Business Park, initiated by former President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga, aims to be a comprehensive consumer goods and services hub.
The city’s traffic marshals and regular beat patrols along Airport Road are part of initiatives to control traffic flow and maintain order. Wanga announced the dismantling of Kamas and Ahero Mowuok stages to improve traffic sanity.
Plans are in place to address the street families issue by relocating them to orphanage homes around Oile and Taifa public parks by January 15.
Wanga urged traders with stalls obstructing drainages or without approvals in Jubilee market and the bus park to comply for improved sanitation. Kibuye traders were advised to use only wooden stalls to avoid obstruction during the second phase of market construction starting in June.