Kisumu Senator Prof. Tom Ojienda has called for the compensation of Kibuye Market traders who suffered massive losses following recent strong winds and heavy rains that destroyed their stalls and merchandise.
The Senator who was speaking at the Senate wants the Committee on Trade, Industrialisation and Tourism to give a statement on the need for urgent compensation and long-term support for the affected traders.
“Thousands of small-scale traders who rely on the market for their daily livelihoods have been left stranded, without capital to restock or resume operations.” He said
Prof Ojienda also called on the County Government to act swiftly to cushion the affected traders, terming them the backbone of Kisumu’s local economy and emphasizing the need for accountability in the management of disaster funds meant for emergency relief.
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He further sought clarification on the steps taken by the County Government of Kisumu to provide immediate relief to the affected traders, whether there are plans for extended support through the Kisumu County Disaster Emergency Fund, and if the fund has adequate resources to help the traders rebuild and restock.
The legislature also requested details on the criteria, procedures, and transparency mechanisms guiding access to and disbursement of the fund, and the long-term strategies being implemented to mitigate the effects of extreme weather on markets across Kisumu County.
He called for proactive disaster preparedness and resilience-building measures at the county level, noting that market traders should not bear the cost of climate shocks alone.
By Juma Ndigo
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