Kisumu investors, developers, landlords and tenants have raised concern after the County Government initiated the second round of demolition.
Governor Anyang' Nyong'o's administration marked buildings in Manyatta Arab estate for demolition, arguing that the investors had grabbed public land.
It added that some of the buildings were constructed on sewer lines which needed repairs and maintenance.
Supermarkets, a three-storey flat and several residential houses in the estate risk being demolished.
Traders also risk losing millions of shillings as roadside stalls have equally been earmarked for destruction.
Tenants raised concerns that they were not given eviction notices, and thus have not planned on how to relocate.
Kisumu County Director Abala Wanga stated that the demolitions were part of the government's plan to construct a non-motorised transport system. This includes pedestrian and bicycle lanes.
In November 2020, Kisumu County demolished houses belonging to a number of civil servants over outstanding rent. Residents wondered why the houses were demolished yet they were in good conditions.
“We have to safeguard the properties of the county government. We are going to recover all the county houses. Most are in a deplorable state and dilapidated,” Wanga defended the move.
The second round of demolitions comes a few months after the Kenya Railways also demolished several stalls and buildings in the area.
The plight of some of those who were affected by the railway’s demolitions piled up as the county also narrowed down on the areas they had relocated too.
