The West Pokot County government has threatened to shut down all business premises in Makutano, Kapenguria and other major towns in the County over poor sanitation.
Chief officer in the Ministry of Physical Planning, Housing and Urban Development Mr. Elijah Lopuke said business people in the area should ensure that they observe cleanliness within their business premises.
Lopuke warned the business community against dumping and burning of waste within their business premises. “We shall close businesses for those who will not observe sanitation,” he said.
He issued a stern warning to business people and advised them to ensure that they install refuse bins where they can segregate their waste and transfer them to designated receptacles or bulk containers installed by the County government at the specific areas.
Speaking to press in his Kapenguria office, the Chief Officer observed that the County government installed enough and sufficient bulk waste containers at designated spots within Makutano Township and other major towns in the County. “The law is very clear and we are not going to joke with anyone,” he said
He pointed out that they are targeting waste generators mainly in small and medium enterprises such as hotels, barber shops, kiosks, and residential areas among others.
Mr. Lopuke dismissed claims that the County government is targeting non locals to chase them away. Lopuke said that they have renovated market stalls and kiosks at Makutano stage and business people will be required to reapply afresh. He said that cartels have been taking many shops and doing businesses with other people hence money hasn’t been reaching to the County government.