Githurai traders are yet to be allocated spaces in the ultramodern market that was launched by President William Ruto three weeks ago over confusion on the allocation of spaces and alleged delayed payments to the contractor.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, John Ng’ang’a, a member of the Githurai Traders Association, said that the county government had requested them to remain in the crowded spaces until they allocate spaces, which is taking long.
“After Ruto opened the market, the governor told the association that they had to revisit the allocation of stalls, despite the fact that we had already settled on the names of beneficiaries who would occupy the stores,” John noted.
A delegation of the Githurai Traders Association sat with the CEC Trade Nancy Muthoni this week but they did not come out with a solution.
“The traders are just staring at an empty hall benefiting no one, which by the way, has free Wi-Fi and free water that was launched this month by the president and CS,” he lamented.
The traders now fear that deserving traders may lose their slots if the county government does not consider the allocations made last year.
Ng’ang’a also alleged that the allocation had been delayed because of delayed payments to the contractor. The trader did not provide evidence to back this claim.
Githurai traders have indicated that if the matter is not addressed soon, then they will take to the streets until their demands are met.
Further, Ng’ang’a has questioned how the market will foot bills accruing including water, electricity and Wi-Fi.
According to him, what is happening is akin to bringing development but stopping residents from enjoying the full benefits.
The association has vowed to push on until their grievances are met.
The new Githurai market consists of 1,200 stalls and is expected to be a game-changer for trade in the county.
