
By Treezer Michelle Atieno
In a decisive move to restore order, the Kisumu County government has disbanded the
Kibuye Market management committee and suspended its forthcoming elections. This
decision, announced on June 9th, 2024, by Kisumu City Manager Abala Wanga, follows a
year of internal conflicts within the market’s management, resulting in factional fights,
political wrangles, and violence that disrupted the market’s operations.
The suspension of the elections, originally scheduled for September, and the disbandment of
the current market committee aim to stabilize the market environment. This decision was
made in consultation with Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, highlighting the urgency and severity
of the ongoing issues. “The disbandment is effective immediately, and all official positions
within the Kibuye Market are hereby vacated,” stated Wanga.
To ensure continued market operations, the Kisumu City administration has appointed a six-
person committee to manage main functions, including revenue collection, sanitation, and
security. This interim committee is tasked with ensuring the market's smooth operation,
maintaining cleanliness, and guaranteeing the availability of essential services like electricity
and water.
All private security personnel and militias operating within the market have been declared
illegal to curb violence and restore peace. The city administration has also suspended all
revenue collections managed by the previous market committee, particularly from market
toilets, assuming responsibility for these collections to ensure proper sanitation.
Additionally, individuals found carrying weapons such as pangas or rungus within the market
will face arrest and prosecution. These measures are part of a broader strategy to ensure the
market remains a safe and productive environment for traders and visitors alike.
This leadership overhaul follows a major land dispute late last year. In October 2023, the
Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) successfully reclaimed a 23-acre piece of
land valued at KSh 2 billion that had been grabbed by a private investor. This land, part of
Kibuye Market, was officially returned to the Kisumu County government after legal
proceedings confirmed its illegal procurement. The reclamation of this land was a significant
victory for the county and set a precedent for future land disputes.
Kibuye Market is one of East Africa's largest open-air markets, serving not only the local
community but also traders and buyers from neighbouring counties and countries, including
Uganda and Tanzania. The market's smooth operation is crucial for the regional economy,
supporting a diverse range of trades and professions.
The Kisumu County government's decisive action to disband the Kibuye Market management
committee and suspend elections underscores the importance of restoring order and stability
in one of the region’s most significant economic hubs.