In Malaba, a border town known for its vibrant market scene, traders are voicing urgent concerns over the dire sanitation conditions at Okima Market. The market’s deteriorating state has forced many vendors to seek alternative, yet precarious, locations along the roadside. This growing frustration culminated in the launch of the Okima Community-Based Organization (CBO), a group dedicated to addressing the market’s critical issues.
Alice Ekirapa, the chairperson of the Okima CBO, led the charge, sharply criticizing the Malaba municipality for neglecting the market despite its significance to the local economy. “Despite the fact that most traders here deal with fish and food items, the general sanitation in the market and the streets of Malaba is deplorable,” Ekirapa said. Her remarks underscored the serious health risks posed by the market’s current state, including the potential for an MPox outbreak if conditions are not promptly addressed.
Traders are facing a grim reality: inadequate sanitation facilities and a lack of clean water. Susan Karakacha, a prominent trader, highlighted the severe shortage of ablution blocks, which has forced some vendors to use unsanitary methods for relieving themselves. Karakacha called for immediate intervention from the county government, advocating for the installation of mobile toilets and improved access to clean water. “Let the county government and Malaba municipality step up by cleaning the market and providing clean tap water. We pay taxes like other Kenyans, yet we are forced to operate in these terrible conditions,” she emphasized.
The sanitation issues extend beyond personal hygiene. Traders are grappling with an unsightly buildup of garbage, exacerbated by ineffective garbage collection systems. Despite the Malaba municipality receiving a substantial budget of Ksh. 80 million, supplemented by additional funding from the World Bank, the garbage crisis remains unresolved. The resulting unpleasant odors and attraction of flies have created an untenable environment for over 200 food vendors operating in Okima Market.
Moreover, traders are frustrated by unhealthy competition from Ugandan vendors. These traders, who hawk goods door-to-door, have increasingly encroached upon the local market, causing significant losses for Kenyan vendors. Bodaboda operators, too, are joining the outcry, highlighting how the influx of unlicensed Ugandan traders is undermining their businesses and adding to the challenges faced by local entrepreneurs.
Hon. Mary Odongo, a member of the Busia County Assembly Environment Committee, acknowledged the traders’ grievances. She reported that the committee had recently visited Okima Market and recommended urgent upgrades, including improvements in garbage collection and water provision. Odongo warned of the potential health hazards if these issues are not swiftly addressed.
In response to the traders’ pleas, Bungoma Deputy Governor Jenipher Batiani, who attended the CBO launch, encouraged members to remain focused on their objectives while pressing the county government for immediate action. “Cross-border traders in Malaba play a vital role in connecting traders and farmers, putting Kenya on the global market. They deserve better support and sanitary conditions,” Batiani remarked. She also advocated for stronger measures to protect Kenyan traders from the influx of unlicensed Ugandan hawkers, who operate with minimal regard for hygiene and sanitation standards.
The situation at Okima Market presents a stark reminder of the importance of proper sanitation and the need for effective governance. As traders and local officials rally for change, the spotlight is now on the county government and Malaba municipality to deliver the necessary improvements. The health and livelihoods of countless individuals depend on the resolution of these pressing issues.
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