Eldoret traders continue to count losses, Trade committee members establish
Rotting mangoes at the Eldoret Champions retail market that has since remained closed.
By Hubzmedia reporter
Hundreds of traders at the Uasin Gishu Champions retail market are counting losses after the closure of the market by the County Government close to two weeks ago.
The Uasin Gishu County Assembly committees on trade and devolution today on a fact finding mission, established that most of the traders left their perishable goods at the retail market which are now rotting away leading to massive losses
“The Situation at the Champions market is regrettable, many of the perishable goods are rotting, no renovations have been undertaken since the closure of the market 13 days later, we will be tabling our report to the entire county assembly for deliberations and the findings shared with the rest of the Public,’Said Huruma Mca Kimani Wanjohi who is also the deputy Minority leader and a member of the Committee.
Some of the Traders could not hide their pain as they were forced to beg for food after the market was closed,
“Since the closure of the market I have not been able to fend for myself , during the closure of the market my leg was hurt , I could not salvage anything from the market , I have been selling kales and now I have no place to do business I have been begging my fellow traders to provide me with some food just to keep me going,”Said Teresia Kiloo who has been selling at the champions market over the years .
Moraa Mwabegi Says she stares at being auctioned by her lenders , she has been buying oranges from Marakwet farmers but she is unable to pay the farmers as she lacks a place to sell her wares and most of her oranges have rotten.
David Waiganjo UDA nominated MCA and a member of the trade committee noted that traders were not issued with a proper notice before the closure of the market ,he wonders that the county government could be misleading members of the public since the market has sufficient water and other amenities , no renovation works have taken place inside the market and hence the motive behind the closure of the retail market is still in limbo,”Said Hon Waiganjo.
The Trade committee has also established that traders at the Kahoya market are trading in deplorable conditions as most of the amenities are overstretched due to the high number of traders forced to share the market.
The leaders and the traders at the market have implored upon the Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii to visit the market and sympathize with the traders who are behind the president’s clarion call of empowerment.
The Champions market was closed on 18th Friday last week after skirmishes between County enforcement officers, traders and street families that lead to destruction of property and massive looting.
Repair works by the County Government roads department have been ongoing outside the retail market and most of the traders are awaiting the opening of the market since the 7 days issued for the Closure of the market have since lapsed .
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