County government moves to decongest Kisumu city

The Kisumu city administration has erected roadblocks on major highways as it embarks on an urban beautification programme.

To decongest the central business district (CBD), the administration has placed barriers restricting the entry of heavy commercial vehicles and lorries. These vehicles have been directed to use Kondele, through the Kachok Bypass.

 Lorries have been blocked from going through the town and have been directed to use Kachok Bypass and join Busia Road at the Golf Club roundabout. Tuktuks and other public service vehicles have also been barred from the CBD.  A combined team of city askaris and traffic police have been patrolling the city to enforce the ban.

 Vehicles from Siaya and Bondo have also been blocked from entering the CBD. They are required to divert at Patel Flats’ roundabout.

Similarly, town service vehicles are required to end their trips at the Kisumu Boys School roundabout.

Only light vehicles are allowed to access the city centre.

The ban follows a directive by the city management under the Urban and Cities Act, of 2011.

Acting Kisumu city manager Abala Wanga says they want to restore order and reduce traffic snarl-ups.

He said punitive action would be taken against drivers and owners of vehicles that failed to comply.

“We shall tow away non-compliant vehicles without further reference to the owners,” he said.

Over the years, the city has been grappling with traffic jams, especially at the Kisumu Boys School roundabout, which is the intersection of Kisumu-Busia, Kisumu-Nairobi and Kisumu-Kakamega highways.

“We want to make Kisumu clean and orderly,” Wanga said.

Through donor funding, the city has been implementing beautification projects, including a Sh241 million non-motorised transport (NMT)to ensure pedestrians and cyclists enjoy improved convenience, comfort and safety.

Under the NMT, a Sh37 million market christened Chichwa was constructed. The trading facility is fitted with stalls that can accommodate more than 500 traders, while its open-air section has 240 others.

The projects are funded by the World Bank through the State Department of Urban Development under the Kenya Urban Support Programme.

Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyong’o and his deputy, Mathews Owili, say the directive has eased traffic flow in town.