Traders protest in demand for reforms at Mombasa's Kongowea Market
The traders' primary grievance is centred on a Sh2,000 penalty imposed on those who operate outside the designated market space.
Traders at Kongowea Market in Mombasa took to the streets in a peaceful protest on Monday, demanding urgent action from the county government on issues including hefty penalties and a lack of proper sanitation.
The market, which is the largest in the coastal region, serves the six counties there: Mombasa, Lamu, Kwale, Kilifi, Tana River, and Taita Taveta.
The traders' primary grievance is centred on a Sh2,000 penalty imposed on those who operate outside the designated market space.
"This fine is crippling our businesses. It is hard enough to make ends meet with the high cost of living. This penalty only adds to our burden,” said Jamal Mwachiro.
They also voiced concerns about the deteriorating sanitation within the market premises.
A trader at Kongowea Market in Mombasa County displays a sign during a protest on May 13, 2024. (Photos: Mishi Gongo)
The protesters also called for reductions in the prices of essential commodities such as miraa and muguka, advocating for sacks to cost Sh3,000 and Sh6,000, respectively.
"Lowering these prices will make our products more affordable and competitive," said Fredrick Odhiambo, a miraa trader who has operated in the market for over a decade.
The traders further want a sack of tomatoes to decrease from Sh60 to Sh40 and a sack of onions from Sh50 to Sh30.
Lucy Nkatha, a fruit vendor, explained that "lowering prices will benefit not only us traders but also consumers," stimulating demand and ultimately boosting sales.
Additionally, the business people demanded the removal of garbage, which they noted poses health risks.
Sarah Ngugi, a vegetable vendor, said, "The market is becoming a breeding ground for diseases. We need the mess cleaned up immediately to ensure a safe working environment," she said.
Tina Khan, chairperson of the Amkeni Community Organization, reiterated their commitment to the cause.
"We are prepared to continue this strike until our demands are met," she declared, with the support of market management. "We urge the governor to dialogue with us to find a resolution that benefits all stakeholders."
Top Stories Today
- Sugar board warns of lease revocations for non-compliant investors
- City Hall seizes Nairobi CBD buildings in crackdown on land rate arrears
- MoH: UHC staff to be transferred to counties by July 1
- Kagame urges Africa to ditch aid dependence after US cuts
- Garissa residents want colonial-era boundary fuelling disputes scrapped
- Tanzania arrests Chadema official travelling to Brussels conference
- University of Nairobi Council insists Ndemo’s appointment as VC legal
- Deputy Governors seek constitutional changes to have clear mandates
- Funding shortfall leaves Somali women, children facing death
- City Hall to freeze accounts, auction properties over Sh50bn arrears
- Sh40.7bn budget shortfall threatens military recruitment, operations
- Kenya’s security at risk as regional instability grows, warns NIS boss
- Supreme Court Judge Ouko warns of eroding public trust due to case delays
- Palestine lifts ban on Al Jazeera's operations in Palestinian territories
- Kenya aims to quadruple tea exports to China by 2030
- KNEC announces July, August deadlines for 2025 CBC assessments
- Lake Basin Board official Ebel Ochieng detained for 23 days in probe into MP Were's murder
- Four bandits killed, six AK-47s recovered in security raid in Meru
- Wetang’ula flags Finance Bill 2025 as urgent, directs committee to fast-track review
- UDA to conduct repeat grassroots elections in Mombasa, Tana River on May 17
