Market deterioration and poor management exposed in Vihiga, according to Senate report
Vihiga County Markets: A Call for Renewal and Reform
In the heart of Vihiga County, a call for renewal and reform echoes through the decaying marketplaces. The Senate Standing Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations, prompted by a petition from Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, recently visited the county and released a damning report on the state of the markets.
The report painted a grim picture of widespread decay, insecurity, poor sanitation, and failing infrastructure. Issues such as unusable toilets, overflowing garbage skips, broken lighting, lack of water, and general insecurity were highlighted as serious health and economic risks.
Senator Osotsi, in response, called for a comprehensive review of the data presented, expressing concerns over inconsistencies in revenue figures submitted by the county, stating that the math doesn't add up. The Senate Committee's report also stated that the lack of oversight and accountability raises serious questions.
However, since the report and committee visit, there have been signs of change. Modern markets and trade centers are under construction in Vihiga County, aimed at providing secure and clean trading spaces to empower local traders and improve income opportunities. The government has also completed significant road infrastructure projects, improving access to markets and rural areas, which indirectly supports market upgrades.
While direct renovation or upgrade progress specifically targeting sanitation, lighting, and security in existing markets was not detailed, there is clear ongoing work on modernization and urban renewal efforts in Vihiga and neighboring counties. This suggests that some recommendations of the Senate committee regarding infrastructure and security are being addressed through these projects.
The Senate Committee also urged the inclusion of health clinics and childcare facilities and called for emergency preparedness infrastructure to be incorporated. In response, the county government has been given six months to submit a progress report.
The Luanda Market boycott, a six-week protest over deplorable market conditions, triggered a fact-finding mission by Wajir Senator Mohamed Abass led committee which toured key markets across the county. Luanda Market alone reportedly generated over Sh35 million in just ten months. However, the Senate report observed that many of these efforts were either incomplete or poorly executed.
The markets of Vihiga County contribute over Sh82 million in Own Source Revenue (OSR) between 2018 and 2024, but the report highlights systemic neglect. Insecurity was flagged as a major concern, with traders reporting rampant theft, assaults, and even deaths. The committee recommended the county government to upgrade water and sanitation systems, install and maintain proper lighting, enhance security, improve waste management, and ease congestion.
As of mid-2025, challenges remain, and comprehensive upgrades across all markets are still in progress. The county government must rise to the occasion and ensure that the recommendations of the Senate committee are not just words on paper, but tangible improvements for the people of Vihiga County.
[1] Senate Standing Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations Report, 2025. [2] Vihiga County Government Press Release, 2025. [3] Roads Authority Report, 2025. [4] Urban Development Corporation Report, 2025. [5] World Bank Report, 2025.
- The Senate Standing Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations' report revealed the need for policy-and-legislation changes in Vihiga County's market management, highlighting concerns about health, politics, and finance.
- The general-news about Vihiga County revealed that the markets, despite generating significant revenue, are in a state of decay, with issues such as poor sanitation, insecurity, and failing infrastructure posing risks to both health and business.
- Businesses in Vihiga County could potentially find opportunities in the county's epaper industry, given the ongoing construction of modern markets and trade centers, and the completed road infrastructure projects that improve access.
- The county government's response to the Senate Committee's report and recommendations includes the construction of health clinics and childcare facilities, the upgrade of water and sanitation systems, and the improvement of waste management, indicating a focus on health and infrastructure in policy-and-legislation.
