Wholesale traders operating from the Kahoya market in Huruma Estate on the outskirts of Eldoret town risk being arrested by the county enforcement offices.
This is after Governor Jonathan Bii issued an arrest order to the traders, whom he accused of failing to adhere to laws governing market operations.
Speaking during Madaraka Day celebrations, Bii noted that Kahoya Market had been allocated for retail traders, but expressed concerns that it had been flooded with those involved in wholesale trade.
The governor said any wholesale trader should do his/her business from the Kimumu/Bahat market.
“We said Kimumu/Bahati market will be used for wholesale purposes but some traders are now taking their wholesale goods to Kahoya, which is a small market for retailers,” Bii said.
“As a county, we want the business to come here in Kimumu and I want to issue an order that all those wholesale traders at Kahoya be arrested,” he added.
Further, the governor said, his administration will not entertain traders openly flouting rules of operations in their markets.
Overflow of traders
Since the closure of the Champions Retail and Wholesale market in Eldoret town centre in November 2022, traders have been forced to operate from markets outside the town.
Some relocated to the Kahoya Market and others to the Kimumu/Bahati market.
However, the Kahoya market has had an overflow of traders, with others being forced to operate from the roadside, posing a danger to not only themselves but also their customers and commuters.
The county has been working on improving key amenities at the Kimumu/Bahati Fresh Produce Wholesale market which was constructed jointly by the county and European Union at a cost of Ksh100 million.
With increasing traders at the market, the governor said they have already issued a tender for a contractor to construct sheds for traders.
Meanwhile, Governor Bii revealed that construction works for the ultra-modern market in Eldoret town are nearing the start.
“We are already receiving expressions of interest for the market construction,” he said.
The National Government has committed to allocate Ksh6 billion for the market that will have 6 floors.
Once complete, it is expected to host at least 10,000 traders.
