The Kisumu non-motorized transport system has been proposed in a move by the county government to transform the lakeside city’s CBD by redesign.

Acting Kisumu City Manager Abala Wanga revealed that the county government is ready to begin implementing the plan on January 1, 2021 with the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Triangle.

The Kisumu non-motorized transport plan will see the busy Oginga Odinga street transformed into a single-carriageway with parking lots at the rear side.

“Those entering the supermarket from the front will exit from the rear where they can take taxis,” he said. Mr. Wanga said vehicles will have a 10-15 minutes window to drop off passengers with parking on the rear side of the street.

The redesign includes a provision for reconstruction of the triangle to ensure cyclists and pedestrians will also enjoy improved convenience. Safety features for the Kisumu non-motorized transport system will extend all the way to Jomo Kenyatta and Angawa streets.

The manager said implementation of the plan is expected to be complete by the end of April next year. Mr. Wanga also revealed that Kisumu lakefront Development Corporation is currently undertaking a makeover of Dunga Beach to face Lake Victoria.

“The Design for Dunga Beach will be out in the next year,” he told Nation. In order to decongest and sanitize the town centre, the county government is also planning to lock out trucks and public service vehicles from entering the CBD.

According to Mr. Wanga, the plan is to establish new growth nodes for the city in key locations like Kondele, Mamboleo, Nyamasaria and Otonglo. The city’s commuter buses will operate drop and pick routes with these locations.

The city manager lamented implementation limitations imposed by the illegal acquisition and development of more than 50 parcels of land in the town. He said the Ministry of Lands and the National Land Commission were to blame for the illegal allocation of plots to individuals.

Mr Wanga also announced plans to turn Muhoroni into a town, with KSh.10 million already set aside for the initiative which is set to be launched next month. Kisumu City is at the same time gearing up to host the Africities Summit in 2021 which will see thousands of international emissaries from across the continent patronizing the city.