Traders at Mombasa’s Kongowea Market have issued a seven-day ultimatum to the county government, warning they will stage protests if authorities fail to clear growing piles of waste that they say now threaten both public health and their livelihoods.
The traders accuse the county of neglect, noting that conditions have worsened despite repeated meetings with relevant departments.
Led by their chairman, Julius Mitegi, they say their concerns have been consistently ignored, even as fears rise over a potential outbreak of Cholera in one of the region’s busiest food markets.
“We cannot continue working in filth. Flies are everywhere, and customers are already avoiding this section. If nothing is done, people will fall sick,” said Martin Kioko, a vendor.
His concerns were echoed by another trader, Husna Salim, who said the stench from uncollected garbage has made it difficult to conduct business. “We handle perishable goods. When waste is left to rot next to us, it not only drives away customers but also puts our products at risk.”
For fruit seller Grace Wanjiku, the situation has already led to financial losses. “Some of us have been forced to close early because of the unbearable conditions. We pay taxes daily, but we are not getting the services we deserve.”
Other traders warned that the crisis is gradually undermining the market’s economic importance. “Kongowea feeds thousands of families. If this continues, traders will start leaving, and that will affect the entire local economy.”
They also called on Abdulswamad Nassir to intervene and take action against the County Executive Committee Member for Environment, Kibibi Abdallah, accusing her office of failing to address the waste management crisis.
According to the traders, previous engagements with county officials have yielded little progress. “We have sat in meetings and raised these issues many times, but nothing changes. It feels like we are being ignored.”
Another trader, Peter Otieno, warned that patience is running out. “We are giving them seven days. After that, we will have no option but to take to the streets. This is about our health and our survival.”
Pressure is now mounting on county authorities to act swiftly to prevent a potential public health crisis and restore normal operations at the busy market.
