Wholesale traders in Nakuru are crying foul over poor business activities since the county government moved hawkers out of the town’s Central Business District early this year.
A check by our reporter revealed that traders at the two major markets in the town, which sold mostly perishable goods to hawkers on wholesale prices, are counting losses due to market scarcity that has been caused by the absence of hawkers, who have been moved out of the CBD while others have opted out of business.
Traders of vegetables, fruits, and other foodstuff had resulted to selling the goods at a throw away price to mitigate loses, while others were already counting loses as the goods perish.
Those interviewed registered their disappointments to the county government’s decision to move hawkers out of the CBD, and said the move had spelled doom to their business undertakings.
“Most of my regular customers were food kiosk operators in town but since they left, I have registered very low income. My supplier is also complaining,” said Magret Akinyi, who sells Bananas at the Nakuru Market.
Another trader, John Kimwaru, tomatoes supplier said his business had recorded a negative curve since hawkers were moved from the town.
He said most of his customers were hawkers who used to sell the tomatoes to people in bus stops and street lanes, and adds that if the situation continues, he may be forced to ditch the business.
“I feel the pinch. I may think otherwise if this situation continues because at the end of the day I will be paying tax for free,” he said.
Nakuru Small Business Association Secretary General Philip Kihara when contacted for comment said the association would soon call a special general meeting for members to contemplate over the predicament.
He agreed that indeed members of his association who operate within the market had adversely been affected by the eviction of hawkers from the CBD.