Gikomba traders count losses as market is plunged into darkness for three days

Gikomba market traders are reeling from losses following a three-day blackout triggered by a fire in the low-voltage (LV) switchboard. Water flooded the powerhouse and the entire market last Sunday, causing the fire.

Expressing frustration over halted business activities, traders recount financial setbacks incurred during the blackout period.

Meshack Bovencha, a fish seller, painfully narrated how he incurred losses following the power outage, with repairs at the powerhouse still underway.

"With the power outage, I struggled to find ice to preserve my fresh fish. Unfortunately, almost all of the fish in the fridge got spoiled, and the remaining fish was sold at a discounted rate, resulting in a third of my usual profit vanishing."

Samson Nderitu, a textile trader, closed his shop due to the blackout. (Hanifa Adan)

Another fish vendor, Alex Juma, observes that as the market plunged into darkness, customers refrained from buying fish, with a few kind-hearted people using their phones to provide light. However, he ended up discarding unsold fish, which further increased his losses.

"We usually store the unsold fish in the freezers in the cold room, but due to the blackout, we ended up discarding them," he said.

Paul Otieno, with 25 years in the fish business, laments a loss of Sh15,000 due to rotten fish, worsened by the lack of a generator and water shortages.

"Unlike other market sectors, the fish business is heavily reliant on both water and electricity. He claims that despite purchasing ice to maintain fish freshness, it proves ineffective as the fish ends up spoiling, thereby increasing expenses incurred.

Milka Anyango recounts losses totaling Sh120,000 as efforts to preserve fish with purchased ice as she waited for the electricity to be restored proved futile.

"I purchased the ice hoping it would preserve the fish until the electricity was restored, but they ended up getting spoiled," she said.

Samson Nderitu, a textile trader, had to close shops due to the power outage, a move that has affected his employees, who rely on the business to earn a living.

"I have a team of 15 individuals who are currently idle at home, constantly calling me to inquire about the restoration of electricity. Yesterday, we made the difficult decision to close our shops, as there is nothing we can do without power."

Rhoda Munyoki, a tailor in Gikomba, airs her clothes for the third day. (Hanifa Adan)

Rhoda Munyoki, a tailor overwhelmed with unfulfilled orders, is also struggling to conduct her business following the Sunday night blackout.

"Hundreds of eager customers await their deliveries, yet without power, my sewing machine remains idle. Frustratingly, some clients mistake the situation for laziness, unaware of the blackout that is hindering production. One particular customer had entrusted me with an order worth Sh30,000," says Rhoda.

Rhoda adds that the recent heavy downpour soaked all the clothes stored in their blocks, forcing them to continue airing them out for the third consecutive day.

Charles Odhiambo runs a barbershop and a cybercafé in Gikomba market has also been affected by the blackout. (Hanifa Adan)

Charles Odhiambo, the owner of a barbershop and cybercafé in Gikomba, laments the wasted time and transportation costs he incurs while visiting his establishment, hoping for the restoration of electricity.

"Customers arrive but leave disappointed, unable to receive the services they seek. I visit the premises with the sole hope of restoring the electricity, but to no avail. This recurring situation not only wastes my time but also my transportation fare," says Charles Odhiambo.

Samson Wanjohi, the Clothes Market chairman, wants the county to facilitate fire extinguishers in case of a fire at the powerhouse and called on Kenya Power to expedite the work at the powerhouse.

"We urgently call for the provision of fire extinguishers for the powerhouse since it is dangerous to operate without one in a bustling market valued in the millions and frequented by thousands. Despite long-standing infrastructure for water, waste, and drainage systems, we emphasise the need for immediate attention to the issues affecting the traders and their customers," says Samson.

However, Joseph Ndegwa, the KPLC supervisor at the market, said that they are currently assessing the condition of the transformers to ensure they are functioning properly before they can turn them on.

"Unfortunately, the LV (low voltage) board has suffered extensive damage from exposure to water. Despite this setback, we have all the necessary materials and we are actively working to repair it today (Thursday)," says Joseph.