Garissa Governor Nathif Jama has issued a stern warning to traders operating makeshift stalls along access roads at the Garissa market.
The market, which is also known as Soko Mugdi, was built to streamline trade operations and improve infrastructure.
Jama, during an inspection tour, urged traders to vacate and relocate to designated market stalls.
He was accompanied by Garissa County Commissioner Mohamed Mwabudzo and other top national and county government officials.
“Those who have built stalls along the roads must vacate immediately and occupy the stalls allocated to them. This is not only for their safety but also to ensure smooth movement of goods and people,” Jama said.
He said the county built access roads to facilitate transportation and emergency services, but their effectiveness is being undermined by the makeshift stalls.
“These roads were built to support your businesses, not to be blocked. Let us work together to ensure growth and order,” Jama said.
The governor said the disorganised state of the market could not allow him to invite President Ruto during his tour of Northeastern.
“How could we invite the President to such an environment? The chaotic trading conditions are well documented. This made such a visit impossible,” he said.
"We need to restore order in this market so as to attract higher-level attention and investment. My administration with the help of the national government is committed to transforming this market into a modern one.”
The county commissioner said there is a need for sanity and decorum to improve trade in Garissa.
He said in line with President Ruto’s directive, the process of establishing a modern market is set to begin soon.
“The foundation has already been laid and we are committed to ensuring this project becomes a reality. This will not only boost trade, but also create employment for our youth,” Mwabudzo said.
While some traders welcomed the directives, others raised concerns over the lack of enough stalls and potential disruptions on livelihoods.
