Governor Natembeya Issues New Directive To Kitale Market Traders Days After Ruto’s Handover

Governor George Natembeya’s administration has issued a 24-hour notice directing traders operating at Masinde Muliro Market in Kitale to vacate premises, days after President Ruto officially opened the facility.The directive is aimed at the occupants of a multi-storey business complex, with the county government highlighting the absence of an Occupation Certificate that permits the use of the building.

Omulo Pius Gumo, the county executive committee member responsible for Lands, Housing, Physical Planning, and Urban Development, signed the notice.

The county has stated that continuing to occupy the premises without the necessary certificate constitutes a breach of the Physical and Land Use Planning Act, 2019, along with associated regulations that were introduced in 2021.

Traders are advised to remove their goods and personal items within 24 hours of receipt of the notice.

Those who do not comply may face enforcement actions, which could include the county securing their stalls and reclaiming any related costs from them.

On the other hand, traders with valid allocation letters, leases, or other forms of written authorization are encouraged to bring these documents to Gumo’s office for verification within the same timeframe.

The county has also expressed concerns about reported damage to public property, specifically indicating that padlocks on some county-owned stalls have been broken.This latest development comes amid ongoing disputes regarding the allocation and management of the market, which has become contentious issue between the county administration and national government.

President Ruto inaugurated the facility on October 16, with the market set to offer trading spaces for thousands of businesspeople.

However, conflicting views regarding stall allocation have led to uncertainty for traders seeking clarification about their occupancy.

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