Traders at Katito Market in Kisumu County on Sunday, May 7, threatened to stop paying levies to the county government due to an unhealthy working environment at the business centre they operate in.
During protests, the business persons accused Kisumu County Governor Anyang' Nyong'o of only focusing on tax collection but ignoring service provision.
The traders lamented that the entire Katito Market was reeling under a highly concentrated stench emanating from uncollected garbage.
"This kind of filth will soon lead to an outbreak of diseases within Katito Market. Already, insects are coming from the hip of garbage," Rose Odhiambo lamented.
Rose stated that Governor Nyong'o's tax collection agents were very aggressive and often arrested them for not paying taxes in time yet the town hardly has cleaners.
"We must not pay taxes if the county cannot keep the market clean," Rose warned Governor Nyong'o's government, a sentiment that was supported by other traders.
The traders demanded that cleaners be stationed at the market in order to ensure that the business centre is kept tidy during the day and also at night.
They also demanded that Governor Nyong'o designates earthmovers such as excavators who will be ready to scoop off the garbage that had been piling up at the Market.
"There is no safe air to breathe. It's filth everywhere and yet they collect taxes on a daily basis," Mercy Atieno stated.
The County Governments Act (No.17 of 2012) authorises the devolved units to impose taxes and levies to finance their operations and services.
The specific taxes and levies imposed vary from county to county, in Kisumu however, traders are required to Market fees.
Kisumu County government collects market fees from vendors who sell their goods in county-owned markets like Katito. These fees are used to maintain and improve the market infrastructure and services.
Katito Market is situated in Katito town, which is approximately 55 kilometers from Kisumu City. The market is a hub of agricultural produce, with vendors selling fresh fruits, vegetables, and grains. It also offers a variety of other goods, including clothing, shoes, and household items.
The market is known for its bustling atmosphere and it is open daily from early morning until late evening.
Katito Market is an important economic center for the surrounding communities, as it provides a platform for farmers and small business owners to sell their products and earn a living.
It also offers a convenient shopping experience for local residents, who can find a wide variety of goods at affordable prices.
