By Makenah Kaburu

Following the quest to alleviate poverty and provide equal opportunity to all Meru residents, the Governor, through the Trade, Cooperatives & Tourism department headed by Mr. Maingi Mugambi, has embarked on the journey to put up kiosks in towns and markets within Meru County. So far, 40 are at Gitimbine, 12 at the Tuskys stage and 12 are at Makutano.
While inspecting the progress at the Gitimbine kiosk location, the CEC Trade, Cooperatives & Tourism said the Government is determined to see the project through and put up more kiosks in Kooje, Kinoru and other major towns like Maua, Timau, Laare, and Nkubu among others.
"We are committed to give informal business holders like hawkers and those selling goods by the road side, a chance to conduct business in a clean, well maintained premise." He said and added that the Allocation Committee is mandated to decide the location where the kiosks will be put up, and in what succession.
"The committee is also in charge of premise allocation, and that they will target small business holders, giving priority to residents whose kiosks were demolished in 2014-2015. It has been decided that the rest of the public will vote in a transparent election, where winners will be allowed to use the kiosks, while 16% shall be set aside for the disabled, and should they exceed the set percentage, then they too, just like the rest of the public, shall vote among themselves, in bid to win a slot for this round of allocation." Mr. Maingi said "The first allocation shall be of 6 years, after which they will all be required to vacate the premises, giving room to new occupants. Further, tenants are at liberty to vacate the premises at will before the 6 years lapse, but that they have to hand over the kiosk to the management, not down to another proprietor." He added, cautioning residents against breaking rules such as the ‘hand me down’ of the kiosks, setting up businesses that sell alcohol, littering and absconding rent among other things.
Mr. Maingi also explained that only registered members of the Gitimbine Business Association, as is the case with other markets in regard to registration and allocation, will be participating in the elections.
The CEC, Mr. Maingi went on to explain that those allocated the kiosks, will be required to pay a non-refundable amount totaling to Ksh. 10,000, which will be used for maintenance of the facility while the tenant is still in occupation when need be and upon vacation of the said kiosk. And a monthly fee of Ksh. 2000 as rent.
The Allocation Committee is comprised of an MP, the MCA Ntima West and Nyaki East, the Town Admin, National Government representative (DCC) Imenti North and an officer from the Trade office.