New traders at Maseno Market are calling on the county government to quickly allocate them space at the market.
According to the traders, they have been calling on the relevant county authorities to allocate them space since last month but nothing has been done so far.
“Lack of space is really affecting us because every morning when we come here we are not sure whether we will find space because the number of new traders keep on coming,” said Paul Salat, a trader.
The traders said that the uncertainty over trading space gives them sleepless nights because they are unable to plan for business.
“This business is my only source of income. I only find Maseno as the only place with potential customers, therefore I need to grow it. That can only happen if I have my own place,” said Peter Omuoka, another trader.
The traders said that they feel neglected by the county government. They are asking the county government to provide the spaces fast enough because Maseno market is big for everybody.
Elsewhere, the traders are calling on the county government to speed up the street lighting project it promised two months ago. According to the traders, they want to maximise on the large population of Maseno University students before the semester breaks again. The traders said that when they were promised the lights, they thought installation will resume immediately, but to date nothing has been done.
“We were hoping that by the time this semester commences lights will be brightening the streets of Maseno, but as things look, that dream is far from being realised,” said Harrison Kariuki a trader at the market.
The traders said that they are continuing to make losses like before due earlier closure as there are no lights to assist them.
“Customers are many and I have to serve them, therefore am forced to use a paraffin lantern for lighting because I cannot sell in the dark. The cost of buying paraffin has had a negative impact on my business, and it will be a relief if we received the solar lights we were promised,” said Agnes Omutola, a vegetable vendor in the area.
In July, Kisumu North West MCA Samuel Otieno Ombogo said that Kisumu County government was planning to light Maseno Town.