KeNHA issues eviction notice to traders along Kismayu Road in Garissa

North Eastern KeNHA Regional Director Hannington Kidagisa, on Sunday, issued an eviction notice to traders along Kismayu Road in Garissa town for obstructing an ongoing road expansion project.

Speaking at Garissa Primary playground during the Mashujaa Day celebrations, he stated that illegal structures along the road were impeding efforts to widen the road, which is expected to reduce traffic congestion and enhance road safety.

The Regional Director emphasised that traders must comply by relocating their goods within one month to ensure the project is completed smoothly and within the specified timeframe.

He also urged members of the public to stop dumping waste along the road.

"It is unfortunate that a lot of waste disposal is taking place along the road. The public needs to take responsibility for managing their waste, as there are designated areas for waste disposal," he said.

Garissa Governor Nathif Jama called on traders along the road to comply with KeNHA’s directives to facilitate the smooth implementation of the road project.

"We must act in the public interest. If you are a trader along the project area, you have one month to relocate your business premises elsewhere," he stated.

The governor expressed regret that Garissa residents were not adhering to regulations concerning road reserves.

He added that all traders along major roads in Garissa, including Posta Road and the area around Garissa County Assembly, must also vacate in advance of a planned demolition exercise by the county government.

The governor mentioned an upcoming survey and planning exercise that will soon be rolled out in Bura, Dadaab, and Masalani municipalities.

He discouraged the growth of new settlements in the county by pastoralists affected by climate shocks.

"We do not support any new settlements created by a few individuals. There are existing settlements where those affected by the drought should move and integrate with the local population. We have no budget to establish social amenities for thousands of people in haphazardly created settlements," he warned.

The governor also revealed that the Garissa County Assembly is working on a bill to ban the creation of new informal settlements in the county.