More drama unfolds at city market stage as County watches helplessly
A stall that was vandalised by section of traders at city market stage, alleging grabbing by unknown individuals.
Nakuru has had a series of issues revolving around business stalls that have been developed within the city center; case in point the on-going court case regarding stalls in Lions Garden.
On the other hand, the new stalls at city market stage in Nakuru have also brought out the conflict between the county government and stakeholders in the stage.
Currently, there is a push and pull-on stall allocation at the stage which resulted in some of the traders at the new bus park demolishing at least four stalls that were developed in the stage.
In an interview with Mtaa Wangu, the head of security at the stage Brian Eshuani notes that the conflict is as a result of unfair allocation of stalls.
He notes that a lobby group from Nakuru West that was given the public toilet to manage were also allocated an extension space to set up at least five stalls for themselves.
The head of security at the new bus park Brian Eshuani during an interview on January 30, 2025.
However, someone grabbed the space and put up four stalls without consulting them.
“Consequently, the group resulted in tearing the structure down to get their space back. Many term this as using force to reclaim their space. However, dialogue had been pursued with the necessary authorities from the county government yet no feedback was given,” Eshuani says, explaining why the group took matters into their own hands.
More to it, he notes the move was a wake up call to other stakeholders at the stage noting that they do not want to see external investors coming to buy stalls in the stage yet they themselves have not been allocated stalls.
Nakuru Trade CECM Stephen Kuria, notes that the county is working to resolve the issue.
He notes that the county has so far spent Sh 1.9 million from the 2023/2024 financial year to develop the stalls and stage.
He notes that they have talked to the group managing the toilet, whom he shared wanted an additional 12 stalls to the toilet; "we urged them to work with what the county has allocated to them first."
Kuria says the county has plans that will benefit all stakeholders which will result in a win for both parties.
“In this financial year we want to upgrade this stage to a hybrid stage that could have buses have a stopover at the stage. This means more business for trade at this stage. We are looking into allocating Sh 2.5 million to upgrade the stage,” he notes, saying the stall issue will be resolved to ensure the traders benefit in the next phase of the project.
Kuria say they are looking into doing cabro blocks in areas that were not covered previously, bringing in private security in collaboration with the stakeholders at the stage and installation of security lights in addition to the bus stop area.