By Robert Mutasi 
Traders who were evicted from the 64 Market in Eldoret town to pave the way for the construction of a modern market at the site are now complaining about a secret scheme in the allocation of stalls in the new market, known as The Champions Retail Market, which is expected to be officially opened by President William Ruto on Mashujaa Day this month.
The traders, who are now forced to work by the roadside in difficult conditions full of dust and sun, say that despite being the direct victims of the construction, their names have been ignored while unknown people are allegedly being listed to get spaces inside the market.
In interviews with the media, the traders expressed their fear that they might be completely forgotten after sacrificing to pave the way for the government project.
“We were removed from here being told the market is being built for us. Now we hear stalls are being allocated secretly. We don’t know who is being allocated, we have not seen any list,” complained Mary Atieno, a vegetable trader in the market.
Grace Akinyi, another trader, said life has become difficult since they were removed from the market. Incomes have dropped, their goods are getting spoiled by the sun, and they lack reliable customers.
“Since we were chased here to the roadside, work has become very hard. We are asking the County Government of Uasin Gishu to ensure justice is done. We are the owners of this market, not people from outside,” said Grace.
Berita Nyambura added that if the government does not take quick action, they will be haunted by poverty despite the huge investment made in their area.
The traders claim that the process of allocating stalls is not transparent and they fear that bigwigs and people with money will deny them the opportunity.
The 64 Market is among the largest and busiest markets in Eldoret city, which has been a lifeline for hundreds of families. The project to transform it into a modern multi-storey market is part of the Kenya Kwanza government’s promise to build 400 markets across the country to uplift small-scale traders.
However, the problem of space allocation has been a recurring challenge in such projects in many counties across the country.
So far, the leadership of Uasin Gishu County has not yet issued an official statement regarding these complaints, but the traders have asked the office of Governor Jonathan Bii and the national government to intervene before the official launch expected to be done by President William Ruto.
They say that if justice is not done, the launch will be the culmination of them being completely expelled from their self-employment.