• Chairman Raphael Muli said they record at least three cases of theft in the market daily.
• "Our tomatoes, onions, potatoes, chairs and utensils are normally stolen by individuals whom we don't know," Muli said.
Image: SHABAN OMAR
More than 306 open market traders at Ukunda show ground in Kwale county have decried increased theft of their commodities day and night.
The traders say their commodities have been disappearing mysteriously thus incurring huge losses.
Chairman Raphael Muli said they record at least three cases of theft in the market daily.
He said unknown people have been stealing their stocks, money and other property without being noticed.
"Our tomatoes, onions, potatoes, chairs and utensils are normally stolen by individuals whom we don't know," Muli said.
The chairman said the intensified theft has not only contributed to losses but also dragged their businesses behind.
He said they operate at low profits because of the stolen stock.
Muli said some had borrowed loans from financial institutions to boost their businesses but end up with huge debts because of theft.
"You take loans to lift your business in the hope of making profits but someone steals the stock, rendering you unable to repay," he said.
The traders were made to operate at the showground after being relocated from Ibiza and Calipso markets during the Covid-19 pandemic outbreak in 2020.
Some were also relocated to pave way for the expansion of the Mombasa-Lunga-Lunga highway.
Muli said the affected traders were in the process of recovering but the theft vice is slowing their growth.
Mary Wanjohi said her oranges and mangoes were stolen last week.
She said colleagues have also reported similar cases.
"On Friday my stock was stolen and another woman's sack of onions was taken," Wanjohi said.
The trader said stealing has now become a major obstacle to the success of their businesses.
She said it is impossible to grow as they fear bringing huge stocks due to the increasing theft.
The traders have also complained of a poor working environment.
Koko Wambua said they don't have parasols and are forced to work under direct sunlight.
He said sunlight affects perishable goods, which get spoilt because of the direct heat.
Wambua said during rains they also have to temporarily close because of flooding.
He said sanitation is also a problem because of dirty toilets, which lack water.
Wambua said during the pandemic water was in plenty but afterwards some water tanks were stolen, while others remain empty.
The traders now want the county government to improve their business environment and provide enough security.
They also want the county to take full control of the public toilets and make them free for the public.
Wambua said they are currently paying Sh20 to cater for cleaning and security services.
He said the amount is exorbitant since one could go to the toilet almost three to four times a day.
Agness Kamau called on the county to give directions on when they will be shifted to the new constructed Mvindeni market.
She said they are being subjected to unfair competition since some of their colleagues returned to Ibiza and Calipso markets.
(Edited by Bilha Makokha)