The leadership of Moyale Municipality has dismissed claims that it is evicting miraa traders operating along roadsides without prior notice.

By Samuel Kosgei

The leadership of Moyale Municipality has dismissed claims that it is evicting miraa traders operating along roadsides without prior notice.

Acting Municipal Manager Halima Ibrahim said her office issued three separate notices directing the traders to vacate roadside locations and relocate to safer, designated trading areas.

She warned that continued roadside trading poses a safety risk to both vendors and pedestrians due to the frequent movement of public vehicles along the route.

“We have issued three notices asking roadside miraa traders to move to safer designated areas. Continuing to sell along the road is dangerous for both the traders and pedestrians because of the frequent movement of public vehicles,” Halima said.

According to the municipality, some traders complied with the directive, while others declined to move and are spreading what officials describe as misleading information.

Municipal leaders also expressed concern that traders are not utilizing newly constructed markets, including Butiye and Gurumesa, choosing instead to continue operating along the main road — a situation officials say endangers lives.

Halima added that construction of the Sessi market is nearing completion, a development expected to create additional space for miraa traders and other businesses.

She said all traders currently operating along roadsides have been given until the end of the Ramadan fasting period to relocate to designated markets.