Hundreds of traders at the Homa Bay town market have decried lack of electricity in the marketplace for more than three weeks.
The traders have threatened to stop giving revenue should Homa Bay government fail to restore electricity supply.
Kenya Power disconnected power at the market due to accumulated bills.
Homa Bay Giant Traders Association chairman Jack Nyambega and coordinator Leonard Ogolla said the entire market has one metre that serves all traders.
“We have people who have closed their businesses due to lack of electricity,” Nyambega said.
Kenya Power wants the county to clear the Sh572,000 arrears before it restores electricity.
Nyambega said failure to restore power will lead to more losses.
“We earn our living from this market as a result, we are urging the county to move with speed and clear the arrears failure to which we will not pay taxes,” he said.
The market has 245 stalls and each trader pays rent of Sh2,500.
According to Nyambega, this money is enough to pay electricity bills.
Ogolla urged the county government provide each trader with an electricity metre to address the problem.
“The use of a single metre is not efficient. All traders are now suffering because the government has failed to clear the arrears,” Ogolla said.
A spot check by the Star showed that traders have resorted to unconventional method to keep their businesses afloat.
Belinda Okiki, who sells chips, is now using gas to cook.
She said she is incurring losses since she spends Sh3,000 to refill a 12 kg gas cylinder after two weeks.
“I did not want to lose my customers and that is why I opted to use gas as we wait for electricity to be restored,” she said.
John Jaramogi, a butcher, said they are forced to carry the meat home or to Makongeni market for refridgeration.
“If we don't do this, we risk making losses or selling bad meant to customers,” he said.
Felix Omondi, who repairs electronics, said he had to completely close his business.
“We have suffered enough and there is need for a lasting solution to this problem,” he said.
Trade chief Office Jack Oboyo said the devolved unit is aware of the challenge faced by traders.
“We’re addressing the matter and electricity supply will be restored soon,” he said.
