Businesses in Namgoi left in ruins with Traders counting loses

CORNELIUS KETER

 

Small-scale traders in Namgoi, Kapsabet, are up in arms after it was alleged that county askaris demolished estimated 185 business structures overnight, leaving them without a source of income.

 

Led by former MCA Fred Kipkemboi, the traders woke up to find their premises reduced to rubble. Kipkemboi questioned the authorities behind the demolitions, demanding accountability,

 

“Who are these people ordering the destruction of these women’s  businesses?”

 

 

 

One devastated trader recounted how she arrived at her stall only to find it flattened.

 

“They told us to move to a designated area in town, but we are Namgoi traders—we have been selling here for years,” she lamented.

 

For many, these businesses were their sole source of livelihood, supporting their families and daily needs.

 

 

 

The demolitions come in the wake of the county assembly’s adoption of the Kapsabet Municipality Master Plan, which proposes relocating the market to the iconic Kipchoge Keino Stadium.

 

 

However, the plan has faced fierce opposition from residents who reject the move.

 

 

Kipkemboi urged elected leaders to intervene and hear the traders’ grievances. He specifically called on Nandi County Woman MP and the Senator to listen to the plight of women traders who have been the most affected by the demolitions.