Traders lament over crowded market

By Robert Mutasi 

The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) has called on President William Ruto to build a modern market for traders in Trans Nzoia.

Traders in Kitale lamented over the crowded market stating it is small hence cannot accommodate all traders. 

Speaking to the press, on Saturday, August 10, 2024, KNCCI Trans Nzoia Chairperson Titus Kilong'i noted that congestion and lack of enough selling spaces have created poor conditions since traders suffer a lot during rainy and sunny seasons. 

Majority of traders in Kitale sell their goods outside the market. 

The congestion hinders customers from penetrating inside the market, causing some traders to count losses. 

He said that traders have the right to have a conducive business environment. 

KNCCI admitted that traders stated that they are committed to paying taxes but they are not benefiting.

"During the rainy season, the businessmen who are my members get rained on, they get sunburned during the sun, while we pay taxes," he said.

On the other hand, traders urged the Ministry of Trade to have a look into their affairs. 

They admitted that overcrowding has become a challenge for them to sell more goods as expected. 

This situation forced the majority of business people to sell outside the market hence blocking the way for customers to go inside the market. 

"There is another market located by the railways, we are also asking them that these two markets are fast-tracked so that businessmen have a chance to do their business in a good environment," he stated.

For proper accommodation of traders, they urged President Ruto to open Muliro Market. 

Kilong'i defended traders that they need a conducive environment for their businesses to thrive since the majority depend on business for survival. 

Traders and KNCCI urged the new cabinet to deliver to Kenyans to improve their cost of living. 

In addition, traders complained that they have not benefited from NAWIRI Initiatives. 

According to the KNCCI, President Ruto promised Trans Nzoia residents a modern market of 100 million shillings. 

"When the President was here earlier in the year, he promised that he would give 100 million to finish our market here at the main bypass," said Kilong'i.