Isiolo traders ask county to expedite completion of modern market

Traders in Isiolo town have implored the county government to expedite ongoing works at the Sh545 million town's modern market to offer them a safe place to operate from.

The delayed completion of the market whose construction started five years ago after tens of kiosks were razed down has over the years exposed the affected traders to suffering as many have been selling their wares along the Isiolo-Moyale highway, putting their lives at risk.

Some of those affected by the tragedy were accommodated at Baraza Park and Kasarani markets opposite Jamia Mosque and Isiolo Stadium respectively.

Led by Isiolo Market Traders Association Chairperson James Gitonga, the business people said having the market up and running will help reduce congestion and protect traders selling goods along the highway from accidents. It will accommodate 1300 traders.

"We appreciate the progress made during the current leadership but we want works expedited so that our people start working from here before the end of this year," Gitonga said when he led Association officials touring the facility.

The traders also appealed for the drilling of a borehole at the market to ensure utmost hygiene and sanitation and consequently avert disease outbreaks.

The Sh545 million Isiolo town modern market that is under construction. (Photo: Waweru Wairimu)

Abdi Mumi, a hawker, expressed optimism that the operationalisation of the market would bring sanity into the congested town and end unfavourable competition.

"Customers will be able to access fresh produce from one point allowing all the traders to earn some income," he said.

Other traders Esther Kiruja and Gerald Ntaari called for fair allocation of the stalls with priority on businesspeople whose kiosks were reduced to ashes in the 2018 fire incident.

"We have an agreement over the same and want it followed and vetting done for remaining slots to ensure fairness," Gerald said.

He also warned local traders against falling prey to criminals who were allegedly approaching the businesspeople and demanding money from them with a promise to have them get space at the market.

Esther said traders operating at other markets were struggling to get customers as the majority were buying from those along the highway.

"Having all fresh produce vendors operate at the new market will address the challenge," she said.

Isiolo Municipality Manager Osman Halakhe assured of the county's commitment to complete the market by December and commission it by February next year.

He said priority will be on traders who were affected by the 2018 fire incident and the rest will be subjected to a vetting by the Municipality board and the traders Association leadership.

"We will also establish another market within the Prison area which will have 10, 000 stalls to help in decongesting the town," Osman said.