Governor Jama holds meeting to ease tension over market stalls

Garissa Governor Nathif Jama has assured traders at the Garissa market that they will secure spaces in the new market along Posta Road.

The traders were relocated from the market to pave way for construction.

Jama said the traders will be given priority in the new market, which can accommodate 500 traders.

He spoke during a consultative meeting with the traders' leaders.

Last week, traders held peaceful demonstrations accusing the municipality of discrimination.

Led by Amina Mohamed, they demanded fairness in allocation of stalls.

“I want to give my assurance that this exercise will be carried out with utmost transparency and priority will be given to those who were relocated,” he said.

Jama urged political leaders to diffuse tension and not to politicise the process.

He said the market will provide the beneficiaries with a modern facility and decongest the busy Posta Road.

“This exercise is necessitated  by the need to give room for Posta Road expansion. We all need roads and so it is only good that we all cooperate," Jama said.

He said he will do everything possible to create a good environment for the traders.

Garissa Township MP Dekow Mohamed said his office will work with the Governor to ensure they address all grievances.

Garissa county commissioner Mohamed Mwabudzo urged parties to address the grievances with sobriety.

He said anyone found inciting the public will be dealt with in accordance with the law.

The market committee was briefed on the criteria that will be used to identify their members and how the slots will be awarded.