Closed Eldoret retail market may be opened next year
Eldoret Retail Market that was closed Mid November
By James Gitaka
Eldoret residents may be forced to buy their vegetables in alternative markets this festive season as the closed Champions market may remain closed until next year 2023.
Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii has disclosed that despite the seven day closure of the Market Mid November, there exists a court case at the Eldoret Court that may further delay the reopening of the popular market,
“We have an existing court case that may hinder the reopening of the market before 23rd of this Month two days before Christmas day ”Said the Governor.
The Governor further warned that security officers are investigating persons behind the organized gangs that wrecked havoc the central business district on 18th of November leading to massive destruction of property, looting and smashing of motor vehicles,
“We saw them looting shops, stealing generators ,and destroying vehicles, we did not however see them stealing vegetables form the market, we will come for them including those who support the organized criminals, “Said the Governor.
The County boss has assured Eldoret residents that the county government will ensure law and order in the retail market and within the CBD .
“We are up and running to ensure that this town is accorded the city status , we have to ensure that there is law and order in order to attract business investors, “Affirmed governor Bii,
However traders at the retail market are perturbed by the long closure of the Champions market ,
“I have lost my livelihood since the closure of the market , I did not have a place to take my goods and many are rotting away inside the market, they had promised to undertake renovations for only Seven days but am afraid its taking much longer,” Said one of the Traders .
A preliminary observation from a section of the members of the Trade and devolution committee at the Uasin Gishu County assembly faults the county government for the closure of the market without according traders an ample time to relocate from the market,
The members led by Huruma MCA Kimani Wanjohi and Nominated MCA David Waiganjo say there was no urgency to have the market closed , since the closure of the market no renovation works have been taking place inside the market.
The report of the Committee is expected to be made public early next year.
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