Power lines, fuel pipelines and traders' stubborn resolve

As we approach Weavers’ market, we are met with a high towered electricity line. We come to learn that this is the reason the area is referred to as ‘Stima Line’.

This expansive stretch is occupied by high power voltage lines above and fuel pipes belonging to Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) underneath.

On this stretch, are markets including Weavers market in Kaptembwo.

From our interaction with the market’s chairman Jackson Kariuki, he reveals that the market has been operational for about 30 years now.

Despite the rich business history the market holds, our visit here was prompted by the one month eviction notice issued by Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, during his tour at KPC’s depot, in Pipeline, Nakuru on Friday November 22, 2024.

The CS noted that, those operating businesses along KPC’s wayleave should make haste to move out of the encroached land, before the government through the necessary agents move in to evict them in a months’ time.

“Having people bring up structure on this land possess grave danger to them,” said CS Wandayi in his address.

This notice has left hundreds of business operators along the busy Stima Line worried after the eviction notice was issued.

Desperate to have the government hear their plea, the traders note that they do not want to move because they have nowhere else to operate from.

Weavers Market Chairman Kariuki, notes that over 500 households will be directly affected when the traders are moved.

“A lot of households depend on this market,” he says

To him, the CS’s reasons to have them vacate the land are not substantial noting that in the 30 years, no alarming incident has occurred.

According to CS Wandayi, the place is a disaster in waiting if the matter is not handled soon.

In 2011, approximately 100 people died from the Sinai oil fire in Nairobi while more were left nursing injuries from the fire incident.

Although Kariuki can clearly draw reference to this dreadful day, they are still firm that they do not want to move.

“A prayer for each day is what I can do for myself and my fellow tradesmen along stima line. Beyond that, I have to put food on the table and that is why I am always here every morning,” says Sammy Moenga , who notes that he has no academic papers that can help him secure a job elsewhere.

Another trader, Sera Wambui,70, notes that her life has been built on selling second hand clothes, adding that she does not know any other job.

She too has no papers to help her secure a job.

"With old age, I cannot start applying for a new job. Learning new skills at my age would also be tricky seeing that my strength is fading out. My plea to the government is for them allow us run businesses as usual just as they promised to be the government of the common wananchi," says Sera.

In a Phone Call interview, Nakuru county Trade Executive, Stephen Kuria, notes that he is aware of the dilemma the traders are facing and has planned a meeting with them scheduled for December 2, 2024.

Mr Kuria adds that the County will engage the national government on the best way forward in regards to the traders’ fate.

“I understand that over 1000 traders will be affected with the notice issued. However, as a county government we will engage the National government to see the way forward on the matter,” he notes.