Over 4,000 jua kali artisans in Kisumu are at risk of losing their workstation after Kenya Railways Corporation began leasing out the space they occupy.
According to George Ngwono, chairman of the artisans, they were originally allocated the land through an agreement between Kenya Railways and the County Government of Kisumu. The deal, signed five years ago, was meant to be temporary, with the county government promising to relocate them to a permanent workstation.
The artisans had vacated their initial workstation to allow for the construction of the Uhuru Business Market, a project undertaken under the Jubilee government.
“We heeded the county government’s call to give up our space for the market and were relocated to Kenya Railways Corporation land, with the promise that we would be resettled elsewhere,” Ngwono stated.
However, they are now alarmed by the continued allocation of their workspace to other entities by Kenya Railways.
“We are deeply concerned by the way our workstation is being taken away bit by bit, yet no one is addressing our plight,” Ngwono lamented.
Artisans Demand County Government Intervention
Speaking to the press in Kisumu, the artisans urged the county government to step in and ensure their permanent relocation to a suitable site.
“We have no issue with Kenya Railways Corporation, but we are calling on the county government to intervene and address this issue,” he added.
According to Ngwono, parts of their workspace have already been annexed—one section was turned into a parking lot for Aga Khan Hospital, while the latest portion has been leased to a car dealership.
The artisans fear they could lose their entire workstation by the end of the year if no action is taken.
“Some of our members have already been displaced, and we fear that by year-end, we will all be evicted,” he said.
The artisans vowed to stay put until the county government fulfills its promise of relocating them.
County Government Declines Responsibility
When contacted, Kisumu City Manager Abala Wanga distanced the county government from the matter, stating that the land belongs to Kenya Railways Corporation.
“We have no authority over that piece of land; it is under Kenya Railways Corporation. So technically, I cannot comment on the issue,” Wanga said.
He also declined to confirm whether the county government had any plans to relocate the artisans to a different location.
With their livelihoods at stake, the artisans remain determined to push for a resolution, as uncertainty looms over their future.