KAKAMEGA COUNTY MARKET COMMITTEES INAUGRATED

H.E. FCPA Governor Wycliffe Oparanya has today 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 Indepent Electoral and Bounderies Commission (IEBC).

Speaking during the event, H.E. the Governor congratulated new office bearers and 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 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 disclipline among the members and maintenance of public toilets. Some of the markets are Kakamega main market, Lubao, Khayega, Butali, Sichirayi, Butere, Shianda, Malava, Mumias and Khwisero.

The governor used the platform to also reveal an elaborate plan by the county government to expand Kakamega town by moving both the wholesale and retail businesses to Sichirayi, where construction works for an expansive modern market and a bus terminus will commence this financial year, to accomodate the traders as well as public service buses. “For Kakamega to attain the status of a city by 2022 we have to ensure law and order is observed, have better sewarage services and general town cleanliness thus my appeal to you to support my efforts to decongest and plan this town well,” he said.

He said his aim is to ensure he leaves behind a legacy and working system beyond his second term in office and called on the traders to desist from blindly singing to the tunes of politicians who only use them to champion personal agenda. Governor Oparanya also instructed the newly appointed market administrators, who were in attendance, to work closely with the leadership of the markets to achieve the objectives of the county government.

Also present were CECMs for Trade, Tourism and Industrialization Kassim Were and his counterpart at the Lands, Housing and Physical planning docket Alfred Matianyi, the County Secretary, deputy CS, Chief Officers, directors, advisors, sub county and ward administrators among others