By Domnic Maraga
Traders at Joska market in Mavoko have urged the Machakos county government to build for them a modern market.
Local traders mostly operate small food stalls at the market while those who travel from other areas like Nairobi, Kajiado and Kitui sell farm produce.
They say the current situation at Joska market is so bad especially when it making it difficult for them to conduct business.
“We have incurred losses because of disagreement with the county government on where to operate on market days,” said Sarrah Karime, a stall owner.
It sits along the highway and brings together traders from the four counties surrounding Machakos County on market days.
“They should give us some space to build a modern market because we are selling by the road side with very limited space and poor drainage system,” said Karime.
The traders are also uncomfortable doing our businesses along the road where it is hard to observe the Ministry of Health Covid-19 guidelines.
Raods to major markets likeTala, Ndovoine, Joska and Mikamboni in the rural areas are also bad and muddy.
“Traveling from Gatundu to Joska and other major markets in Machakos is hectic because vehicles consume a lot of fuel and at time,” said pineapple seller John Kioko.
