Endurance is a necessary trait for businesspeople who want to survive the ongoing economic challenges in Kenya.
The economic problem has presented numerous obstacles for business owners, especially those in small-scale sector.
KNA visited Eldama Ravine Market in Koibatek Sub County, Baringo County, to speak with business people about the challenges they are facing amidst the current happenings in the country.
For many business people in Eldama Ravine Market, difficulty has become a constant companion as they strive to stay afloat. The cost of living has skyrocketed, making it difficult for them to make ends meet.
Moses Kihenjo, a secondhand shoe dealer, said that his sales have drastically reduced because of the current economic situation in the country.
“Transport has increased by Sh100 in every stage, bearing in mind that we move to different towns depending on market days, hence, part of the little profit that we get is used when travelling,” said Kihenjo.
“Maandamano has also affected my business in terms of stock collection from Nairobi. For example, I was supposed to go and pick new stock on Wednesday at Nairobi, but due to the scheduled maandamano starting on Wednesday, I will have to go tomorrow, which is a market day in another town. This will make me pile stock, hence getting no profit,” he lamented.
Another businessperson, John Mwangi, who sells secondhand jeans, echoed similar views. “The cost of transportation has gone up, making it expensive for us to bring our stock and travel to different towns. We are forced to increase our prices, which means customers have to pay more, and most of them do not agree,” he said.
Grace Gitonga, who sells children’s clothes, complained that there are no customers and she believes that it is because of the current challenges in the country. “These days it is hard to sell the targeted stock because there are no customers and the available stock wants to be purchased at lower prices, leading to a loss,” she said.
A fruit and vegetable vendor, Lydia Tanui, complained about county market management services and how they affect her.
“The money that I pay daily to ‘kanjo’ is a lot compared to the services they provide. I expect that the money we pay should be equivalent to the services they provide; sanitation here is not so good, hence affecting my business,” she said.
In addition, Kihejo said, “The revenue charges are higher compared to Kabarnet town, yet this is a subcounty, the municipal council should allow us to sell outside the market because at 6 p.m. this place is closed, thus limiting us.”
By Ivy Juma and Sarah Kamande
