Small-scale traders plying their trade in open air markets in Kisumu County are counting losses following the ongoing heavy rains in the country.
The markets are popular with traders selling items such as clothes, shoes, fresh food and even groceries.
The continuous rains that are being experienced in the country have affected business not only for the traders but also buyers.
“We are losing a lot of business because of the rains and people don’t come to the market to buy goods. The rains sometimes start in the morning and evening during peak hours of the business,” said Mary Akeyo, a second hand clothes dealer at Kibuye Market.
Eunice Akinyi who also sells used clothes said since the onset of the rains, business has gone down and are making big losses.
Akinyi who sells the clothes along Angawa Avenue said she make Sh2,000 per day due to lack of customers compared to the dry season when she could make between Sh4,000 and Sh5,000 per day.
“I buy clothes worth Sh30, 000 but I am forced to open at 10am and sometimes close between 2-3m due to the rains,” she said on Tuesday.
Akinyi said sometimes her clothes are rained on and so she cannot sell.
On the other hand, shoes shiners and people repairing umbrellas are making a killing from the wet season.
"Somebody steps on mud while going to the office hence they pass by my stall for shoe cleaning and shining before they get to the office which is a plus for us," said Mark Omondi.