Hawkers operating in Nakuru Town will be given the priority in occupying stalls at the upcoming bus park.
Nakuru Town has over 5, 000 hawkers, most of them operating from bus termini, streets and public parks.
As Nakuru Municipality gears up to be a City, Governor Lee Kinyanjui has promised of an inclusive City for socio-economic betterment.
In an interview, Mr Lee said all ‘marginalized groups’ should be involved in productive activities derived from the City status opportunities.
Tuesday morning, hawkers sought an audience with the County leadership decrying alleged harassment by enforcement officers.
The traders’ chairperson Mr Joseph Mburu said some hawkers were arrested and their wares confiscated by enforcement officers.
After a lengthy deliberation at the Old Municipal Chambers, it was agreed upon that the hawkers have a conducive environment to conduct their business.
Public Service Management and Devolution minister Mwania Mwangangi said the hawkers were operating in undesignated zones.
“We will not relent in ensuring the town is orderly and friendly and enhance security for all stakeholders,” vowed Mr Mwania.
Nakuru Town East MP David Gikaria commended the Office of the Governor for embracing dialogue and offering alternative solutions to problems.
“Upcoming termini for long-distance vehicles at the railway’s yard will help decongest the town and offer employment opportunities,” Mr Gikaria stated.
The Institute of Economic Affairs places Nakuru County second to Nairobi County as a leading investment destination in the country.
In terms of Gross Domestic Product, Nakuru comes fourth after Kiambu, Nyeri and Kajiado Counties.
The County Government of Nakuru is renovating of major markets and building others across the County as a way of supporting the small scale traders.
“Their contribution to the economy is immense and necessary support will be accorded to see their businesses flourish,” said the Governor in an earlier interview.
Mr Mburu called on the traders to abide by set rules and by-laws to avoid confrontation with enforcement officers.
He commended the County Government of Nakuru to have the arrested traders released and ware handed back.