Eldoret traders want clear stall rules as KSh6bn 64 market nears opening

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Traders in Eldoret are pressing the Uasin Gishu County Government for a transparent process in allocating stalls at the KSh6 billion 64 Ultra-Modern Market, which President William Ruto is expected to open as part of the build-up to this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations in the county.

The market, jointly funded by the national government and the county, stands on the site of the former Champions Market and the old 64 retail market. Traders who spoke to the Kenya News Agency welcomed the facility but want clarity on who qualifies for space and what it will cost them.

Traders’ concerns

Grain trader Jane Jepkosgei said she expected a clear process to identify traders who operated in the old market, and asked the county to spell out the criteria for assessing applicants. She also urged it to announce charges in advance and avoid sudden increases that could cut into profits.

“I expect a clean and well-organised market, with enough space to store goods. My business involves heavy sacks of grain, so I need a place where goods can be stored safely and customers can load their goods with ease,” she said. She called for designated loading areas, drainage, waste collection and security.

Hezron Kamau, who runs four stalls, said poor sanitation at the old site had driven customers away and that he would need to hire more workers once he moves. “We have faced challenges here because of the dirt, which was also driving away customers, but now the new market will give us benefits like job creation, and those looking for work will now get it,” he said.

Others described the cost of the transition. Fruit vendor Mercy Chebet said trading from a temporary location since the demolition had made it hard to store stock and keep regular customers, leading to losses on perishables. Food vendor Beatrice Ochieng said some customers could not find her temporary premises, forcing her to rent alternative space.

“When the market was demolished, I relied on my savings and the small amount I earned daily. I also cut down on some expenses because my sales were not as reliable as before. I did not receive direct compensation,” she said. She wants to know whether there are official plans to support affected traders.

From 800 traders to more than 4,000

The project has grown from a facility first intended for about 800 traders into a commercial hub expected to hold more than 4,000, KNA reported in September. The building has six storeys above two basement levels, with internet connectivity, water and power supply, washrooms and rooms for nursing mothers.

The county opened applications for stalls at the 64 market and four other markets in early September, with a deadline of September 14 and an online allocation process. In August, Governor Jonathan Bii said displaced traders would get priority and remaining stalls would be shared among residents from different wards. “Each and every trader is going to receive a stall to be able to carry out their businesses,” he said at the time, adding that Ngeria Ward would receive at least 100 stalls.

Allocation has drawn objections before. In September, the Central Organization of Hawkers Association Kenya (COHAK) issued a seven-day notice to the county demanding a role in vetting genuine hawkers, citing a 2011 agreement, and threatened to seek High Court orders stopping the opening if it was left out.

Credit push for small traders

The opening coincides with other efforts aimed at small businesses in the county. The Hustler Fund and Tukuza Hub will hold a forum for top borrowers and young entrepreneurs in Uasin Gishu on October 22, according to KNA. Hustler Fund chief executive Henry Tanui said “empowering borrowers with the right financial knowledge is essential to ensure that credit translates into productive investments”.

Eldoret was also where Treasury CS John Mbadi floated a proposal to exempt low earners from PAYE. For traders moving into the 64 market, the immediate questions are simpler: whether they get a stall, and how much it will cost to keep it.