By OCHIENG CLINTON: Traders within the Siaya County Central Business District have expressed deep concern over unfavorable market conditions as the county prepares for expected heavy rains, urging the county government to expedite the completion and handover of the new market.

Speaking to the Kenya News Agency, the traders made it clear that the current state of the market is deplorable and poses a severe threat to their safety and livelihoods as the rainy season approaches, putting them at risk of incurring massive merchandise losses.

The traders explained that during heavy downpours, most of their products, such as mitumba clothes, shoes, and other valuable items, are swept away by floods due to a lack of proper stalls and underdeveloped structures that offer no protection against strong winds and rain.

“We really go through a lot during the onset of the rains. When the rains come, we don’t know what to do or where to go because we are completely exposed to the elements due to the lack of proper housing structures,” one trader lamented.

Angeline Ajoo, a local trader, expressed her frustration with both the county and national governments over the slow construction of the new Siaya modern market, which she believes is the root cause of their daily challenges.

“When we try to move to the newly built market, the contractor and his team turn us away, citing incomplete works. The government should finish the construction of the market as fast as possible so that we can have a safe trading environment,” said Angeline.

She further accused the county government of collecting daily taxes from them while they operate on privately owned land adding that the landowner could evict them at any time, which would heavily disrupt their businesses.

Additionally, Ms Angeline pointed out that the current market lacks proper sanitation facilities, raising alarms over potential outbreaks of waterborne diseases during the heavy rains.

The traders have called for urgent action from the relevant authorities, in collaboration with both levels of government, to ensure they receive improved market structures that support essential service delivery.