Traders dealing in various commodities and foods at Harambee market in Matungu Sub-County in Kakamega County have decried low sales compared to the Christmas season last year.
Traders who spoke to KNA at the market Tuesday said that there was a low turnout of shoppers for wares in the market hence low cash flow and movement of goods at the market.
They attributed the low sales to the COVID-19 disease which they say had led to some of the residents losing jobs and turning to business thus flooding the markets with the similar commodities.
Florence Achieng who sells smoked fish at the market said that the demand for fish had gone down and remarked that last year at a similar time she sold over 20kgs per day as compared to this time that she hardly manages 10kgs.
Traders who sell second hand clothes at the market said that the sales were dismal as they were selling one bale every month as compared to three to four last year.
They are appealing to the government to come to their aid in January and ask schools to give them time to pay for school fees in instalments when schools open.
Meanwhile leading supermarkets in Mumias town have filled their shelves with various foods as Christmas day approaches.
The management of the supermarkets have put in place enough water for hand washing and sanitizers for shoppers as they patronise the premises.
By Catherine Nyongesa
