Nyanza residents have welcomed the government's move to open and ease movement within the region as business has suffered due to Covid-19 curfew and travel restrictions.
The government changed the curfew from 7pm to 10pm, a reprieve for residents who say the early curfew has reduced business hours and cash flow.
The Ministry of Health on June 18 introduced measures meant to slow down the coronavirus spread in 14 counties in the Lake Region Economic bloc.
The regions were declared Covid-19 hotspots, following a surge in infections. The restrictions especially affected small-scale traders and the transport industry.
Traders said they haven't been able to move goods and perishable goods went to waste.
Fishmongers said the curfew hurt them because they make good sales from 6.30pm to 8pm.
"With revised time, we know our businesses will be okay and we will be able to pay our dues as market rates pile up,” fish seller Jescah Anyango said.
Fish trader Jackline Apiyo from Kano who sells at the Kisumu market said she has restarted her business after taking a break following the curfew.
"I can now travel to Kisumu, sell my fish and travel back home before 10pm at least with some money," she said.
Kisumu Kenya National Chamber of Commerce chairman Israel Agina said the economy once opened will flourish and enable the traders to sustain their daily upkeep.
He said traders had suffered massive losses since the Covid-19 regulations went into effect.
“It has been an awful state for people in business. Business outlets have had to close earlier than usual, impacting on their overall profits,” he said.
(Edited by V. Graham)
