Nanyuki market traders have refused to pay taxes in solidarity to protest the poor conditions and unfulfilled promises made by the outgoing governor.
After it has rained, it is nearly impossible to enter Nanyuki Market.
Following numerous complaints from traders and customers, we visited the place and spoke with traders who are concerned about a variety of diseases that could strike at any time due to the filthy and unhealthy environment.
The main issue is that the market is extremely wet and muddy.” It is not covered, and rainwater is not channeled away. When it rains, all water becomes stagnant, and the market becomes inoperable. “In that case, we frequently close our stands because customers are unable to come.
Pascal Wahome, a trader selling bananas at Nanyuki Market
It is worth noting that the situation at Nanyuki Market is deeply worrying.
Flies are flying around as I observe different stands. Under those wooden stands, there is a foul odor caused by mud mixed with other waste from various food elements that stink.
Agnes Wanjiru, a dry small fish seller, agrees with the fruits vendor, indicating that they work in an unfavorable environment.
We are dissatisfied with the working conditions; rainwater is accumulating here, various insects are buzzing around our products, and a foul odor pervades everywhere.
Agnes Wanjiru, Nanyuki Market Trader
“Sometimes I feel nauseous and shouldn’t eat anything because of the dirtiness and stinky smell,” Susan Mukami, her neighbor, weighs in.
The same is true for John Muriithi, a fruit and vegetable vendor at the same Nanyuki market. “Because I sell freshly consumed fruit, I am concerned that it may cause diseases to those who consume it,” he laments.
That Nanyuki Market, according to Harrison Njuki, is not suitable to be called a market.
I request that the Minister of Trade rebuild it in accordance with hygiene conditions and standards; otherwise, the Governor should provide us with another suitable location where we can conduct our business before a disease outbreak occurs.
Harrison Njuki, butchery owner, Nanyuki Market
“Water from the market toilets collects near our kiosks and stagnates.” These stinking pools of water, undoubtedly contribute to the spread of diseases among people in Nanyuki Market. “
I urgently request that Hygienic Service agents assist us so that we can work in a clean, fresh environment,” a food kiosk operator yells angrily. He also shows us people eating in a restaurant next to a stench-filled pond.
“It’s all here.” Food is cheaper than in other markets, but the place is filthy and difficult to get into. I can’t come here when it’s raining,” Alice Muthokoi, a young woman we met there, laments.
Broken Promises
The Nanyuki market was opened and declared ‘modern’ by a whole delegation of county officials on 16th October 2018.
Walking through the dirt and dodging pools of stagnant water revealed nothing but the harsh reality of market life.
According to James Mathenge, there have been several projects aimed at rehabilitating that market.
In terms of dirtiness, he explains that there is a department in charge of removing waste from the market on a daily basis.
People have given up hope. We started with millions of dollars to rehabilitate the market and make it usable even during the rainy season, but the market’s current poor condition indicates that money was stolen. Guttering is required to remove waste water and rainwater from the market. The floor requires cabro to remove mud and stinking water pools.
James Mathenge, Nanyuki Market leader
“The governor promised that the entire market would be paved in six months when he was seeking votes,” James emphasizes.
Officials visited the market but have yet to comment. This Is Laikipia attempted to contact the relevant offices but was unsuccessful.