Kakamega County has admitted into office market committees for 18 markets to spearhead operations in markets across the county following a successful election process by the traders to elect new officials conducted by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya while congratulating the new office bearers called for sobriety in engagement between them and the county government. “It is the responsibility of the government to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive and to spur self-employment and for this reason we are now empowering you to make decisions and be our trusted representatives on the ground because you understand the needs of your fellow traders better,” said the governor. The market committees will be charged with among other responsibilities; the general market cleanliness and order, revenue collection, maintenance of discipline among the members and maintenance of public toilets. Some of the markets that will be under the committees are Kakamega Main market, Lubao, Khayega, Butali, Sichirayi, Butere, Shianda, Malava, Mumias and Khwisero.
Governor Oparanya says the county plans to expand Kakamega town by moving both the wholesale and retail businesses to Sichirayi. He says construction works for an expansive modern market and a bus terminus will commence this financial year, to accommodate the traders as well as public service buses. The Governor has instructed the newly appointed market administrators to work closely with the leadership of the markets to achieve the objectives of the county government.
