Kiosks near schools to be demolished

The Nairobi City County will demolish kiosks stationed outside churches, mosques, learning institutions and social halls.

In a statement, the office of the governor stated that some kiosks outside learning institutions provide cover for criminals to monitor the movement of students and plot attacks.

The office last week issued a notice to kiosk owners with or without licences to remove any structures in specific commercial and residential areas, after the city inspectorate team made recommendation after an audit of the vulnerable security points around the city. The notice expires on Wednesday.

“The owners of such kiosks were given a seven day notice to vacate and seek guidance from City Hall for alternative sites” the statement signed by the Director of Communication in the office of the Governor Walter Mong’are said.

Mr Mong’are said the move was meant to avert any impending attack.

“Rarely would you question the kiosk attendants who are often hidden in the dark kiosks outside your gate and this is where the security lapse starts” Mr Mongare added.

The county government will also remove illegal boda boda stages which according to the statement, were aiding quick getaway and assisting criminal activities.

Mr Mong’are cited recent cases of armed boda boda riders who pounce on residents, especially just outside their gates.

Apart from the threat on security, Mr Mongare said, the kiosks outside learning institution have been found to sell drugs to students.

He said kiosks, if necessary should be available inside the schools.