Garissa: Traders and livestock farmers operating at Garissa’s Soko Ng’ombe market have called on the government to improve social amenities in the market. They are also seeking the provision of on-site veterinary services, especially during the ongoing drought period.
According to Kenya News Agency, the traders, led by Market Chairperson Mohamed Nuno, voiced concerns about the market’s neglect, citing a lack of clean toilets, an inadequate water supply, and insufficient stalls for fodder traders. These issues were highlighted during a meeting with officials from the state departments of livestock and housing, who were gathering input on creating a model market to be replicated in other counties nationwide.
Nuno emphasized the urgent need for clean toilets, shades, and a perimeter wall around the market, which is one of the largest livestock markets in the country and the East African region. The market serves farmers and businesspersons from northeastern counties, Tana River, Kitui, and other parts of the country. Soko Ng’ombe is a crucial hub for cattle, camels, goats, and sheep trade, attracting participants from across the nation.
During the meeting, Kingwal Mwaluko, director for designs at the State Department for Housing, assured that all stakeholder views would be considered in developing the Garissa livestock market model, expected to be ready within two months. He highlighted the government’s commitment to implementing programs that benefit citizens under the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) and noted that the Garissa model would be replicated in other counties.
Stephen Mutuku, a livestock development officer at the State Department for Livestock, added that modernizing the Garissa livestock market would enhance the livelihood of the region’s predominantly pastoralist population, who rely heavily on livestock. He emphasized the importance of understanding the market’s operations and challenges to devise improvement strategies for Garissa and other markets in the arid and semi-arid land (ASAL) counties.