Small scale traders at Daraja Mbili Market in Kisii County have decried the poor drainage system, which saw flash flood destroy their property of unknown value at the open-air market Wednesday.
Speaking to KNA, Mercy Akoth, a businesswoman at the market stated that all the goods she sells by the roadside were swept away by floods following heavy rains.
“I have three children, one in primary, one in secondary, and another in university. All of them depend on me and now all of my goods have been swept away. What shall I do?” posed Akoth.
She urged the county government to construct street kiosks for them to do business because passengers, who are their customers, cannot alight and purchase goods from the main market.
The trader pleaded with well-wishers and the county government to help her assist resume her business, adding that one of her children is disabled.
Asha Adhiambo, another trader noted that they cover their goods by the roadside and rush to shelter at nearby buildings when unexpected rains come.
“The rains usually catch us off guard within no time. You find flash floods everywhere even on the main road. Some people take advantage of the flash floods to make money because we have to pay someone to help us cross the road,” she noted.
The traders urged the county government to move with speed and construct a good drainage system, adding that other places should be unblocked to help them do business in a conducive environment.
Meanwhile, Kisii County has been experiencing increased rainfall exceeding 700 mm daily and the meteorological department has warned residents to be cautious of more rains in the coming weeks.
By Carolyne Omwamba and Vincent Nyambane
