Traders in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, have protested the allocation of stalls at the newly constructed Eldoret Market, accusing officials of favouring individuals who were not part of the town’s former trading community.
The protests come ahead of the market’s planned official opening on Saturday by President William Ruto, with affected traders demanding fairness and transparency in the allocation process.
The traders, who previously operated at Eldoret’s food market before it was closed four years ago, say they risk being locked out of the new facility despite earlier assurances that they would be given priority.
Led by Simon Kimani and Penina Chepchumba, the traders have accused some county officials of attempting to allocate stalls to individuals they claim are not genuine traders.
They are now calling on the relevant authorities to review the allocation process and ensure that those who operated at the former market are given priority as promised.
The dispute threatens to overshadow preparations for the market’s official opening, with the traders insisting that the new facility should benefit those who have depended on the town’s trading activities for their livelihoods.
The planned opening is expected to mark a new chapter for Eldoret’s traders, but questions over stall allocation remain a major concern for those seeking to resume business at the new market.
