The Kisumu County government in collaboration with the Rural Electrification Authority (REA) has commissioned eight high mast floodlights at various markets within the county.
This is in its quest to improve security within open air markets in all sub-counties and to lay a solid foundation for a 24-hour economy.
The eight markets include, Kombewa and Akado in Central and West Seme wards respectively. Others are Chemelil, Korowe, Rabuor, Huma, Daraja Mbili and Orongo in Chemelil, Kobura, West Kisumu, North Kisumu and East Kolwa wards respectively.
Speaking on Friday after commissioning the floodlights, Governor Jack Ranguma encouraged the traders to make use of them to operate for longer hours.
“The threat of insecurity you used to face due to darkness is now no more. I encourage all of you to make use of these floodlights to conduct your business for longer hours. It is my hope that your incomes will also increase as a result of this,” the governor said.
Ranguma donated a freezer to Arongo Beach Management Unit and promised to donate four more to the remaining fishing groups within the County.
Industrialisation, Energy and Enterprise Development CeC Johnson Awuor called on the women and youth to organise themselves into groups to access the Sh100 million women and youth fund set aside by the county government.
The traders requested the governor to donate shades to the market and provide solar power as a backup, requests the governor promised to look into.