By Governor Lusaka Press Unit
Bungoma County has tightened traffic regulations for Matatu, Tuk Tuk and Boda Boda operators within Bungoma Town, requiring them to use designated passenger pick-up, drop-off and parking areas.
Matatu and Tuk Tuk operators will only pick up and drop off passengers at designated points, while Boda Boda operators are required to park at approved areas. Those who violate traffic laws and County regulations will face enforcement action in accordance with the law. The measures are part of efforts by Bungoma County stakeholders to strengthen collaboration and address challenges affecting the management of Bungoma Town.
The resolutions were reached during a stakeholders’ consultative meeting convened by the Department of Public Service Management, Administration and ICT at Milimani Garden in Musikoma Ward, which brought together County Government officials, the National Government security team led by Bungoma South Deputy County Commissioner, business community representatives, Boda Boda and Matatu associations, taxi and Tuk Tuk representatives, and civil society.
Key priority areas for improving law and order in Bungoma Town
They identified cleanliness, public safety, traffic management, street trading, responsible use of public spaces and maintaining a conducive environment for businesses and residents as key priorities and agreed on coordinated measures to improve law and order, enhance security, manage traffic congestion, strengthen waste management and promote environmental cleanliness.
Waste accumulation, Boda Boda and Tuk Tuk operations, traffic congestion and the presence of street-connected children were among the key concerns raised, particularly within the town centre and around public offices and residential areas.
Speaking during the meeting, CECM for Public Service Management, Administration and ICT Dr David Wamamili said effective management of Bungoma Town requires the commitment and cooperation of all stakeholders.
“The management of Bungoma Town is a shared responsibility. The County Government cannot do it alone. We need our residents, business community, transport operators and security agencies to play their part to ensure that Bungoma Town is clean, secure and orderly,” said Dr Wamamili.
Dr Wamamili called for increased public sensitisation and compliance with existing regulations, particularly on the use of designated spaces. He said County Marshal officers would support traffic management and would be provided with reflector jackets and traffic caps to enhance their visibility and effectiveness, adding that the County Government would also provide litter bins across town to improve waste management.
Waste management in Bungoma Town
Bungoma South Deputy County Commissioner Geoffrey Githinji called for concerted efforts to address waste accumulation in public offices, residential areas and other public spaces, urging residents, traders and transport operators to cooperate with Government agencies.
“Security and order are not the responsibility of the security agencies alone. Every resident has a role to play. We urge the business community, transport operators and residents to cooperate with Government agencies and ensure that they conduct their activities within the law,” said Githinji.
The stakeholders agreed to enhance sensitisation and ensure consistent enforcement of existing laws and County by-laws, while sustaining dialogue and joint action to improve cleanliness, security, traffic management and the overall management of Bungoma Town.
