Trans Nzoia County Issues 24-Hour Notice To Traders Occupying Masinde Muliro Market in Kitale

Traders occupying stalls at Masinde Muliro Market in Kitale have been issued with a 24-hour notice to vacate. The notice was issued by the administration of Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya.

The directive has escalated an ongoing dispute over the allocation of stalls at the facility. The dispute emerged after President William Ruto officially handed over the market to the county government.

In a notice signed by the County Executive Committee Member for Lands, Housing, Physical Planning and Urban Development, Omulo Pius Gumo, occupants were instructed to remove their goods and vacate the premises within 24 hours.

The county government said the move is aimed at streamlining allocation and ensuring orderly occupation of the market. The notice indicated that those who fail to comply will be removed from the stalls.

Masinde Muliro Market is one of the key trading facilities in Kitale town and hosts hundreds of small-scale traders. The market was constructed to decongest the town and provide traders with a modern working environment.

Following its handover by President Ruto, disagreements have emerged over who should occupy the stalls. Some traders had already moved into the facility before the county released an official allocation list.

The county administration maintains that allocation must follow the proper procedure to ensure fairness. It has stated that a fresh verification and allocation exercise will be conducted.

Traders affected by the notice have expressed concern over the short time frame given to vacate. They have appealed to the county government to extend the period and provide clear guidelines on allocation.

Efforts to reach some of the traders for comment revealed anxiety over loss of business. Many said they depend on the market for their daily income and fear being locked out.

The county government has assured that no trader will be unfairly excluded from the process. It has urged all interested traders to cooperate with the ongoing exercise to allow for proper planning.

Residents will be watching to see how the standoff will be resolved and whether the allocation exercise will be concluded peacefully.

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