Eldoret: The Central Organization of Hawkers Association Kenya (COHAK) has demanded the suspension of the upcoming opening of Eldoret’s 64 Ultra-Modern Market. The association insists that its members must be involved in the process of identifying and vetting genuine hawkers to occupy the stalls at the facility.
According to Kenya News Agency, COHAK’s National Secretary General and Chief Executive Officer, Gerald Mutakha Habuti, announced that a seven-day notice had been issued to the Uasin Gishu County Government. If the matter remains unresolved, COHAK plans to approach the High Court in Eldoret to seek an injunction to stop the market’s opening.
In a press release dated September 10, 2026, Habuti highlighted the association’s desire to submit a list of genuine hawkers for consideration during the stall allocation process. This demand stems from a 2011 agreement that included COHAK in the vetting and identification procedure for genuine hawkers. The agreement was reached following a joint meeting on June 21, 2011, involving COHAK, the then Ministry of Local Government, and the defunct Eldoret Municipal Council.
This development occurs shortly after the Uasin Gishu County Government invited applications for stall spaces at the new 64 Ultra-Modern Market, also known as the 64 Iconic Market, alongside four other markets. The application deadline is set for September 14, 2026, with the County Government expected to proceed with the allocation process before the facility’s official opening.
Concerns about fair and transparent allocation surfaced during an engagement forum held on August 25, 2026, between the County Department of Trade and local traders. Led by Chief Officer for Trade Elphas Kesio and Director of Trade Nelly Jerotich, the forum discussed preparations for the market opening, stall allocation, traders’ needs, and expectations, as well as measures to facilitate a smooth transition.
Traders at the forum emphasized the need for a fair, transparent, and inclusive allocation process, urging the County Government to ensure the online allocation process is conducted equitably. COHAK has echoed these concerns, insisting on its involvement in identifying and vetting genuine hawkers to ensure experienced traders are not sidelined by newcomers to the informal trading sector.
Habuti has called for dialogue between the association and the County Government to prevent disputes and litigation, advocating for the protection of genuine traders. COHAK has also raised allegations of political interference, ethnicity, and corruption affecting business space allocation in Uasin Gishu’s Central Business District, though these claims remain unverified.
The 64 Ultra-Modern Market in Eldoret City, initially designed for approximately 800 traders, has expanded to accommodate over 4,000 traders. Once operational, the market is expected to enhance trading opportunities and support economic activity in Eldoret. The official opening is scheduled for October 20, 2026, during the Mashujaa Day celebrations. However, COHAK seeks a review of the opening and allocation process before the market becomes operational, prompting further dialogue with the County Government.
