Hundreds of small-scale business owners in Kakamega County have been left stranded and counting heavy losses after the national government, on Tuesday, July 29, kicked off a major demolition exercise targeting their workspaces.
The affected areas included Khayega Market in Shinyalu Constituency, where multiple shops and stalls were flattened to pave the way for the expansion of the Kisumu-Kakamega highway.
Authorities explained that the demolitions were aimed at clearing the road reserve, which is vital for the ongoing infrastructure project.
According to officials, the traders had earlier been served with eviction notices but ignored the directive to vacate. As a result, bulldozers moved in to demolish the makeshift structures.
Affected traders and residents were devastated, expressing shock and disappointment over how the demolitions were carried out.
For many, these businesses were their sole source of income, helping them provide food, pay school fees, and handle other essential needs. The destruction of their livelihoods has thrown them into uncertainty and financial distress.
Photos from the scene on July 29, 2025, showed stunned residents watching as their stalls were brought down.
Several traders accused the government of betrayal, arguing that President William Ruto’s administration had promised to support low-income earners through the Bottom-Up Economic Agenda. They questioned whether such demolitions aligned with that promise.
“I used to earn a living by renting out some of these stalls, and now everything has been destroyed. I’m not sure how I’ll feed my grandchildren or pay their school fees,” lamented one distressed trader.
Another local said, “When the Ruto government came into office, they said they would uplift the Mama Mboga and boda boda riders. Is this what they meant by helping us?”
Tensions escalated during the demolitions as some traders attempted to block the bulldozers, leading to a brief clash with police officers on the scene. In the scuffle, several residents reportedly sustained minor injuries and later accused the police of using excessive force to disperse them.
Officials from the county government later addressed the media, stating that while the exercise was unfortunate, it was necessary.
They explained that the road expansion project is a critical part of efforts to improve infrastructure in the county, especially given the increasing population and rising levels of traffic congestion.
The expanded road is expected to enhance transport and boost economic activity by improving connectivity between Kakamega and surrounding counties.
Despite the government’s justification, the affected traders are now appealing for compensation, proper relocation plans, or alternative support to help them rebuild their lives.
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