Traders fault order restricting use of roads in Thika town

Gatitu Road in Thika town. Motorists leaving the town have been barred from using the road to ease congestion in the urban centre. [PHOTO: KAMAU MAICHUHIE/STANDARD]

By KAMAU MAICHUHIE

KIAMBU COUNTY: The business community in Kiambu town has opposed the move by the Kiambu County government to close several roads to ease traffic jams in the urban centre.

In the new directive, all vehicles entering Thika town are supposed to use Gatitu Road while those leaving the town are required to drive on Blue Post Road.

Motorists, however, claim that this has aggravated the situation as some of the them are now taking up to an hour to get into the town.

CONDUCIVE ENVIRONMENT

On the other hand, traders in the town are accusing the government of making the decision – which they say has cost them heavily – without consulting them.

Although Kiambu Governor William Kabogo has on several occasions reiterated his administration’s commitment to attracting more investors to the county, the traders say the directive is likely to scare away those wishing to start businesses in the town.

Thika Central District Business Association Secretary General Alfred Wanyoike said closing the roads may lead to some of them moving to towns that offer a more conducive environment for doing business.

“Our members are suffering huge losses as a result of the roads closure. We are appealing to the county government to call a meeting of all stakeholders to discuss the way forward,” said Wanyoike.

Stephen Mwangi, a manager at a fuel station in one the affected areas, said their sales have reduced by 60 per cent and they may be forced to lay off some of their staff as a result.

“Vehicles stop here to fill up as they leave town and the closed road has affected us severely,” he said.

Tuskys Supermarket Manager Andrew Ndung’u said their business was also facing the same predicament because their customers have been forced to use a longer route to access the store.

“Our sales have gone down by Sh500,000 daily since the directive was issued. The county government can find other alternatives to ease congestion, like expanding the road,” he said.

PERISHABLE GOODS

He said they have also been forced to cut down their orders for perishable goods due to the low customer flow.

Other businesses along the roads such as hotels, banks hardware and general supply shops also complained of low sales due to the closing of the roads.

A spot check by The Standard established that motorists were finding it hard to enter or leave the town due to a traffic gridlock.

Thika Town MP Alice Ng’ang’a has also faulted the county government for effecting the move without consulting the business community.