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Kisumu traders have called for investigations into claims that cartels were collecting money from residents to give them stalls at the Sh350 million Uhuru Business Park.
There are allegations that some people have been soliciting for money from unsuspecting traders with the promise of allocating them business spaces.
Under the umbrella of Winam Maendeleo Traders, the business people have condemned such acts, saying the stalls are meant for traders who were affected by recent developments in the city.
Upon completion, the market will accommodate 10,000 traders. Already, more than 4,000 stalls have been completed.
The traders' chairman Anthony Kwache on Sunday demanded a speedy probe so the fraudsters are promptly arrested.
He warned locals against cartels who are out to dupe them. Several traders have lost cash to such people, he said.
“The public should know that the stalls have been reserved for traders whose shops were demolished to pave way for development projects,” Kwache said.
He said the association will ensure all traders whose stalls were demolished get spaces in the new market.
Some 1,190 traders were affected. More than 500 traders have so far been given stalls at the Sh37 million Chichwa market.
Kwache said they were working with Governor Anyang' Nyong’o to ensure the remaining traders are settled at the Uhuru Business Park.
He said the use of biometric data collection will ensure fairness in allocation.
The county government in collaboration with business leaders has set up a transparent process to collect data of genuine traders, he said.
“We have been holding meetings with the trade department to ensure only genuine traders benefit from the stall allocation,” Kwache said.
Edited by P.O
