Traders and residents of Lumakanda ward in Lugari sub county have a reason to smile after the county government of Kakamega opened a first open air market in the ward.
Speaking when he presided over the event held in Lumakanda Township, Kakamega County Director of Trade and Tourism Shem Muhati reiterated the government’s commitment in boosting business activities in the county.
He said after gazetting and officially opening Lumakanda market the county government will start working on a budget to ensure it creates a conducive environment for traders.
He however, urged traders to follow the rules that govern the operation of the market which includes payment of taxes.
“I urge you to pay taxes and other fees as per the requirement of the County Government since this forms part of the decision to improve the structures and operations of the market,” Muhati noted.
He further asked the traders and market management committee to ensure public standards are followed to avoid disruption from public health officers.
The director added that public toilets, water and a clean working environment should be given first priority for its sustainability.
He at the same time urged the traders to work with the market committee in order to solve some of the challenges affecting them, especially matters of security.
He advised them to work as a team to reduce burglary cases without much involvement of security authorities.
“I ask traders to know themselves properly so that whenever there is a case of insecurity, they will be able to find a solution,” he said.
He said there are markets within Kakamega County which have solved cases of burglary and other forms of crime through volunteer information and well-coordinated security networks among the traders themselves.
Mondays and Saturdays are now official Lumakanda Market days.