Traders in East Seme in Kisumu county will soon operate from a modern market with cold and dry storage facilities, lactation rooms for nursing mothers, a social hall, modern ablution blocks, a kitchen, a children’s playground, and an ICT hub.
Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o launched the construction of Kaloka market, promising a major boost to trade and livelihoods in East Seme under the national Economic Stimulus Programme.
Speaking during the event attended by representatives from the State Department of Housing, county officials, development partners, and local traders, Nyong’o described the project as a landmark initiative that will transform trade and livelihoods along Kaloka beach.
“This market, whose construction we begin today, is one of several Economic Stimulus markets being built across the country through collaboration between the county and the national governments,” the governor said.
In Kisumu, similar markets have been built in Kisian, Nyamasaria, and Muhoroni.
Nyong’o commended the State Department of Housing and Urban Development for including Kisumu in the programme, saying the county has maintained strong working relations with the national government to implement development projects.
“To make these projects successful, we as a county are providing land and administrative support while the national government provides the funding. Our sub-county and ward administrators have been instructed to give these projects their full support.”
The governor said the construction of the Kaloka market comes as a blessing for the local community, as it will not only revamp the trading environment but also offer modern infrastructure that meets diverse social and economic needs.
The planned market will include a strong waste management system supported by a proposed waste-to-energy project aimed at keeping the market and nearby beach clean.
“Once completed, Kaloka beach will never be the same again,” Nyong’o said.
He urged local traders to make good use of the facility once completed, encouraging them to organise into cooperatives and conduct their businesses in an orderly and dignified manner.
“I want to appeal to the people of Kaloka, please do not set up stalls outside the market once it is done. This compromises both the market’s standards and safety. The department of trade has been instructed to strictly enforce this.”
Nyong’o singled out areas like Kisumu town and Rabuor, where some traders abandon market stalls to sell by the roadside, saying such practices would no longer be tolerated.
“Traders who abandon their stalls to set up illegal selling points will not only lose those stalls but will also face punitive action,” he said.
The governor reiterated his commitment to continued collaboration with the national government to enhance service delivery across Kisumu county.
“To the people of Kisumu, I assure you we are committed to delivering better services. We’ve built many modern markets and will continue to construct more,” he said.
by FAITH MATETE
