Traders along streets of Kisii town have been urged to relocate their businesses from roadsides to minimise cases of accidents that have been reported in the recent past.
This comes after three people were run over by a matatu and are fighting for their lives at Kisii Teaching and Referral hospital near Nyambera estate on Wednesday.
Speaking after the incident that could have been prevented, OCPD Tom Mutisya urged traders to move away from roadside due to a potential risk of being involved in an accident.
He said the move will combat at least 10 cases of roadside fatalities annually that have been reported to the authorities.
“We would like to urge traders along the streets near highways due to potential risk of being involved in accidents. These are deaths which are preventable but we have failed to use common sense. They have no otherwise other than evacuating,” he said.
“The county government has established specific sites that should be used as markets therefore, it makes no sense when we continue exposing our lives to danger,” he added.
However, the move has been received with mixed reactions from the residents with some supporting the move while others vowing to resist attempts to evacuate them.
“It will be fundamental if we moved to closed markets for safety. But they have to reduce high taxes that are charged by revenue collectors in shades,” said Vane Nyakego.