Hundreds of traders operating at Kisumu’s Kondele Market are set to benefit from a financial boost following the disbursement of empowerment funds aimed at strengthening small businesses in the area.
The funds are part of an initiative led by Kisumu Central MP Joshua Oron, who in November 2025 convened a fundraising drive for traders from Kondele and Kibuye markets.
The event, presided over by Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, raised more than Sh7 million.
Speaking to journalists during the cheque issuance ceremony held at Kondele Market on Tuesday, market chairman Leonard Omollo said traders would receive slightly over Sh3 million, distributed among 81 registered groups.
Each group is expected to get an average of Sh39,000.
Omollo noted that the money is intended to grow traders’ capital and help expand their businesses.
“This is an empowerment fund meant to strengthen what traders already have. Even a small amount can make a big difference when added to existing stock,” he said.
Kondele Market General Secretary Isaiah Okoth confirmed that the traders received Sh3.3 million from the fundraising kitty, expressing optimism that the funds would have a lasting impact on the business community.
He observed that traders in Kondele often suffer losses during street demonstrations, adding that the financial support would help cushion them against such disruptions and improve their livelihoods.
During the November fundraiser, CS Mbadi donated Sh3 million, which was matched by President William Ruto, while Interior Cabinet Secretary Onesmus Kipchumba Murkomen contributed Sh1 million.
At the time, MP Oron said the initiative demonstrated the strength of collective action, describing the funds as an investment in the economic future of small-scale traders in Kisumu.
The fundraising event, however, proceeded amid resistance from a section of Kibuye traders linked to their chairperson Judith Matengo, popularly known as Nyaramba, who is facing assault-related charges.
Kibuye traders are expected to receive their share of the funds on Thursday, January 8, 2026.
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