Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda has raised alarm over the ongoing demolitions of structures in Kisumu County by the National Government, allegedly to pave the way for road expansion.
Speaking in the Senate on July 10, Ojienda asked the Roads, Transport and Housing Committee, chaired by Senator Eddy Gicheru, to clarify under what legal authority these demolitions are being carried out.
He questioned the committee on whether the affected residents were given any formal notice before the demolitions, and whether public participation was conducted or stakeholders engaged as required by the Constitution and relevant legal frameworks.
"The Roads Committee must elucidate on the entities or agencies involved in executing the demolitions, and whether they are acting under a formal directive or legal mandate," he said.
He also questioned the committee on whether the demolished structures were situated on private, public, or community land.
The senator said that the demolitions are being carried out in Korando-Tiengre and other areas of Kisumu County.
He asked Gicheru to explain whether there are any compensation or resettlement plans for residents whose properties and homes are affected.
An affected spot years ago was Oile Market, whose stalls were removed in July 2020 after the contractor for the Kisumu‑Kisian bypass project flagged the market as blocking progress.
Over 300 kiosks and shops were cleared to allow the movement of construction vehicles and materials.
In the same county, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) dismantled over 300 “illegal” structures, including kiosks and roadside stalls along the Kisumu-Nairobi highway.
According to the authority, the dismantled structures were removed to restore the road reserve, as some residential homes fell within the demolition zone.
In parts near Kisumu Port, Kenya Railways in 2021 demolished more than 3,000 structures, including shops, hotels, restaurants, and housing, as they were built on railway land.
