By Jacob Oluoch
Kisumu has kicked out all bodabodas, TukTuks, Taxis, Private vehicles and traders Oginga Odinga Street and on the newly constructed non – motorized transport lanes.
In a letter dated 19 to the residents indicates that all bodabodas, TukTuks ,Taxis must park from back street and the notice to take effect on Monday 22 feb , 2021.
During the launching of Kisumu Sustainable Mobility Plan(KSMP) which aims to foster increased accessibility of the city by prioritizing walking, cycling and public transport.
Kisumu city manager Abala Wanga had said they are trying to transform the city by beautification especially CBD and Demarcation of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Triangle where at least non motorized projects have been completed for people to walk not for parking or selling wares.
“As we escalate to other parts of the city, we wanted to show case how kisumu can be when there is no Vehicles, bodaboda and the rest. The main street of Oginga odinga street. That area should be a freely walking area . You do your shopping enter and walk without obstruction by bodabodas or taxis. The vehicles, bodabodas, and taxis should be parking from behind the back street. Entrance through front and exits from behind. The purpose of the concreate path way along Oginga Odinga street is for people and pedestrians to walk not fir parking or selling wares,” explained City manager Abala Wanga.
This will minimize obstruction from bodabodas,taxis and the rest and minimize accidents by increasing free movement of the people.
The letter further states that all vehicles, tuktuks and the rest must park along the backstreet . Dropping off passengers is allowed within a time frame not exceeding five minutes.
“The owners along Oginga Odinga street Triangle, as the governor was walking 0n his left handside, you will be parking from behind the buildings to give way for people to walk. Dropping and picking passengers be within 5minutes. Drop who you want to drop and pass. If you stay for long we shall clamo you and fine you as well. Clamping goes in hand with fine,” he added.
In event of none compliance with the stipulated time frames , the county government shall itselfc move and tow/impound such vehicles, tuktuks , motorbikes without further reference of owners and at the owners risk as to cost incidental thereto .
