Small traders from Turi have urged the Nakuru County government to install street lights at Turi Trading Centre following rising spates of insecurity.
Speaking on Thursday at Turi Trading Center, Turi Ward, Molo sub-county, Nakuru County, the chairman of Turi Small Traders, Ezekiel Kimani, said that the volumes of trade in the center have dropped due to insecurity.
He urged the county government to move swiftly and install high mast flood lights to stem incidences of insecurity.
“Mugging is the order of the night. Thieves have flocked this market and they are like thorns in the flesh of traders,” said Kimani.
Kimani said that they are finding it difficult to operate after 8pm.
“Our efforts to generate additional income are being hampered by theft after 8pm,” said Kimani.
He wondered why the shopping center has not been provided with street lights in spite of traders paying taxes.
“We have been paying taxes in time but the county government has not being delivering the expected services to us,” said Kimani.
He however urged traders who do not pay taxes in time to pay taxes to enable the county government discharge its services properly.
“We want the county government to deliver quality and timely services to Turi traders,” said Kamau.
Kimani said that lack of security would scare away investors who are willing to invest in various sectors like retail and health.
Jane Wanjiku a trader at Turi says that the shopping centre will remain isolated unless security lights are installed.
“We go home as early as 6pm for fear of darkness and being mugged,” said Wanjiku.
She is convinced that with street lights traders would be able to extend to midnight.