How Markets Are Becoming Havens for Criminals in Machakos

The deteriorating market conditions at the popular Mlolongo Business Center in Machakos have turned the area into a hideout for criminals.

Criminals have broken fences, stolen roofing sheets, scrap metals, and sold wood on the streets.

The dilapidated stalls and impassable roads have become a significant challenge for traders.

Millicent Obonyo, a resident of Katani Road, is a businesswoman who has to arrive at the market every day at 6 am to collect goods.

However, she suggests closing all the entry and exit points to the market, as they are being used as hiding spots for phone thieves.

In 2022, Millicent was attacked by youths hiding in the stalls surrounding the market who snatched her capital.

“Besides fixing the market, it would be good to install hidden cameras (CCTV) to easily monitor the movements of those entering and leaving the market, especially during the night,” Millicent proposes.

A similar situation is observed at Kiamunyeki Market on the Nakuru-Nairobi highway in Nakuru County.

Erick Sule, a fish vendor in the market, initially blamed the county governments for initiating projects that later stalled.

He asserts that the poor market conditions have not benefited those who were supposed to benefit from the projects. The county governments often pass blame when a new administration takes over.

According to Sule, each county government comes up with its plans, neglecting the issue of market improvement.

He states that between 2017 and 2018, the market he operates in was supposed to be completed, but the locals did not benefit from the project itself because activities were delayed.

Speaking to Taifa Leo Digital, Sule mentions that Nakuru is one of the counties in the country with a high number of unemployed youth. Some rely on casual jobs, transporting goods from the market to sustain themselves.

Despite the Kiamunyeki Market being fenced, some areas are used as dumping sites, and street youths have been seen sleeping there and ambushing passersby during the night.

Moreover, the market union at Wakulima Market in the Nakuru city center would like a well to be dug to ease water supply and additional night guards to ensure the safety of their goods.