Yako supermarket staff outside their premises as security officers searched for a an alleged bomb placed in the building while others kept vigil outside. [PHOTO|John Kabaka|West Fm]

A supermarket in Kakamega town has beefed up security in its premises after a bomb scare that paralyzed business in the town's central business district last week. 

The director of Yako Supermarket Mr. Sudhir Khetia has said they had decided to bolter security to ensure their customers went about their shopping without fear or threat to their lives. 

Among the security measures the Supermarket has taken is introduction of pass through screening machine, all-day armed police surveillance in and outside the premise and closed circuit Television sets to check on suspicious characters. 

Yako supermarket is among the six Super Markets in Kakamega which have come up to tap the big economic potential that has been created by the establishment of Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) to a town once referred to as the “Sleeping Economic Giant” of Western Province. 

Other Supermarkets include: Tuskys, Nakumatt, Jilvik,Mama Watoto and Walias. 

The bomb scare the first of its kind in Kakamega town sent residents in disarray for fear of an imminent explosion. 

Soon after the management was informed of the bomb by an anonymous caller it sent its entire staff outside the premises and called in police to search the building to remove the lethal weapon. 

After a two hour search, the security officers declared the premises safe and business resumed but with fewer customers as it is normally the case when the supermarket fills with hundreds of shoppers. 

Leaving no chance, the supermarket immediately introduced the screening machine a practice that is the only of its kind in the town's shopping premises. 

Yako Supermarket is popular with residents because of its ideal location, a wide range of products at friendly prices.