By Christopher Omondi
Kosawo Market in Kondele Ward, Kisumu County, is yet another government project facing backlash from the public over claims of tribalism and corruption. The public has raised concerns over alleged tribalism in the distribution of stalls at the market, as people from other tribes are discriminated against and, to some extent, even harassed.
Despite the project being completed with all stalls occupied, the market is yet to be opened to the public. The renovation of the market commenced three years ago and stalled in 2023. Work resumed in April, and the project is now complete.
The project managed by Kisumu city management was expected to end corruption in the chief’s office, which involves his staff who frustrate small businesses along the Skyway-Corner Mbuta road, asking for bribes from businesses.
“I deal in firewood near the chief’s office and have been frustrated by his youth who are asking for KSH 10,000 per month for my mabati store that was constructed outside the market by the ward fund, according to a man who identified himself as a village administrator, since the market has been closed. When I said I didn’t have the money, they threw my firewood out on the road and Lake Victoria and that they’ll be exposed, he just laughed me off and true to his words, nothing was announced on the issues. I appeal to the city manager to aid in the opening and transitioning into the market as the local authorities here are compromised. Should there be policies governing how these spaces are distributed?,” said Margaret Nyokabi.
The impact of people operating outside the market during its closure can be felt by the heap of waste that is lying just outside the market, which is not being managed by the same people who come to ask for rent from small businesses operating outside the market.
“We are concerned about the waste management at this market. I can’t imagine what it may become if the market is opened. We have people who are sent to take money from us every month for operating along this route; they claim to manage this market. We know they work at the Chief’s office and the Member of the County Assembly office, which are both in Kosawo Hall; they may be misusing their power and working by themselves, or they may be working under instructions, and that’s why we call for their investigation to put an end to this corrupt situation,” said Sam Kungu.
