Kisumu City Manager Michael Aballa Wanga has issued a firm public notice outlawing all forms of business activities on public walkways, footpaths, road reserves and other designated public thoroughfares within the city.
In the directive addressed to residents, traders and business owners, Wanga emphasized that public spaces are not designated for private or commercial use, warning that the city will no longer tolerate encroachment that disrupts pedestrian movement, road safety and urban order.
“No person should conduct any form of business, trading, hawking, display of goods, or erect temporary or permanent structures on public walkways, footpaths, road reserves or similar public spaces,” the notice states.
The City Manager clarified that possession of a Single Business Permit does not grant authority to operate on public walkways, unless such areas have been lawfully designated for trading.
“Any ongoing occupation or use of public walkways for business purposes is unlawful,” Wanga noted, putting traders on notice that compliance is not optional.
Tough Enforcement Measures Announced
Kisumu City authorities have warned of immediate enforcement action against violators. These measures include:
Removal of illegal structures
Confiscation of goods
Issuance of penalties and fines
Prosecution of offenders
All affected traders have been advised to vacate public walkways without delay and relocate to approved and designated trading zones within the city.
Wanga said the directive is firmly grounded in law, citing Article 62(1)(a) of the Constitution of Kenya (2010), which classifies public roads, streets and walkways as public land. He also referenced Section 120 of the County Governments Act, 2012, which empowers county governments to regulate and control the use of public spaces.
The notice further draws authority from relevant provisions of the Kisumu County Finance Act, reinforcing the county’s mandate to manage urban spaces in the interest of public safety, accessibility and orderly development.
The move is expected to significantly impact hawkers and informal traders operating along busy pedestrian corridors, particularly in Kisumu’s Central Business District. City officials say the crackdown is aimed at restoring order, improving mobility and enhancing the city’s image as a modern urban center.
As enforcement begins, traders are being urged to cooperate with county authorities to avoid losses and legal consequences, marking a decisive step by Kisumu City Hall to reclaim public spaces for their intended use.
