Some traders put their goods on the ground in Nyandiwa market in Suba South constituency/Robert Omollo
More than 300 women traders at Nyandiwa Market in Suba South Constituency have accused some Homa Bay County officials of harassment, intimidation and demanding bribes as they conduct their businesses.
The traders claim some enforcement officers, commonly known as askaris, collude with revenue officers to harass them and evict those who refuse to meet their demands.
Led by Mary Omari, Dorris Makuti and Hellen Atieno, the traders accused one of the officers of allegedly evicting them from the market when they fail to pay bribes.
They further alleged that officers intimidate and threaten traders who refuse to comply with their demands.
The traders were relocated about two years ago to pave the way for the construction of a modern market under the National Government's Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Programme (KISIP).
However, they say the project has progressed slowly, leaving them to operate in an overcrowded space without essential facilities.
Ongoing contribution of the draining system by KISIP in the Nyandiwa market in Suba South constituency/Robert Omollo
Omari said the traders face numerous challenges, including a lack of toilets and adequate business space.
"The place where we're doing business is small and it has no latrine. When we raise complaints, revenue officers and askaris evict you," Omari said.
Speaking to the press at Nyandiwa Market, she called for the installation of security lights, construction of latrines and improvement of the market ground to make it more suitable for business.
"Lights will improve security during evening hours. Latrines improve sanitation," she said.
Makuti urged Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga to take action against officers accused of demanding bribes. She also claimed that some revenue officers charge traders higher fees than the stipulated amounts.
According to Makuti, traders who use racks are required to pay Sh100 instead of Sh50, while those without racks are charged Sh50 instead of Sh30.
"The county government officials exploit traders, yet this place lacks a lot of facilities to make it a market. Let Governor Wanga intervene on this matter," Makuti said.
Atieno said she had also experienced harassment, claiming an enforcement officer forced her to pay Sh500 for allegedly alternating with the officers after she declined to pay revenue immediately.
"I know a colleague whom they evicted from the market because she refused to pay a bribe. They told her to leave the market and go back to her native Migori county," Atieno said.
Human rights defender Otieno Oloo Gor called on the county government to urgently address the complaints and restore order at the market.
Gor urged the county government to transfer or remove officers accused of corruption from duties involving traders. He warned that the lack of basic facilities was also making the trading environment difficult.
"The Homa Bay government should address the matter urgently to avoid losing revenue. The traders are in an uncomfortable place as well because they lack necessary facilities," Gor said.
He said the market also needed a proper drainage system and an improved ground to prevent flooding. The activist added that legal action against county officials accused of corruption was being considered.
"We'll expose all county government officials who harass, intimidate and threaten traders in Nyandiwa market. Their days numbered," he said.
Meanwhile, KISIP market official Harrison Akech urged the traders to be patient as construction of the new market continues.
Akech said roads within the market had been tarmacked, while the installation of high-mast lights and construction of latrines were under way.
He said the contractor had been given 127 days to complete the work.
"The work is going on smoothly. I hope we'll complete it on time," Akech said.
