Narok Traders Ask County Government to Construct Modern Markets to Boost trade

Narok, Friday, May 26, 2023

KNA by John Kaleke/Eunice Ngatia (attachee)

Market traders operating in Muthurwa and ODM Markets in Narok town have asked the county government to construct modern markets to boost trade in the county.

Susan Wairimu, a chairlady of Muthurwa Market traders in Narok, said the county government needs to prioritize the construction of modern Markets to improve living standards of small-scale traders in the county and to boost trade.

“A lot of revenue is being collected in these markets; therefore, we request the county government to prioritize constructing modern markets,” she said.

Wairimu said the county government should use the revenue being collected in these markets to construct shades to protect traders from vagaries of weather conditions.

“We pay Ksh.50 twice a week, this is a lot of money being collected. We want to be counted as traders in the county development agendas," added Wairimu.

Further, Wairimu noted that when the county government constructs modern markets, there is likely an improvement of security, hygiene and an increase of working hours, thus a boost to trade.

On her part, Mary Akoth, a vendor in the ODM market said the county government should improve the working standards of traders in markets by constructing sheds and prevent traders from harsh conditions.

“In ODM market, we have never been considered in any construction of market shades, leave alone latrines. We asked the county government to consider us traders as part of the economy contributors,” she added.

Akoth noted that during rainy seasons, the environment becomes unconducive for market operations, since there is lots of stagnant water all over and this poses health risk among the traders and the customers.

Another vendor, Deborah Odeny, said while comparing Narok town markets with other places, it shows that Narok is still lagging behind and requires lots of improvement.

Odeny mentioned that insecurity remains a persistent challenge in the market places, hence vulnerable to thefts and other criminal activities still happening.

The local traders acknowledge the importance of the market places as economic hubs, generating employment opportunities and fostering local business and leaders should take them seriously.

Courtesy ; K. N. A