Matters security took centre stage during a public participation forum held at Rhonda Market in Nakuru Town West Constituency.
The meeting was convened by area MP Samwel Arama to chat way forward on various issues among them the Rhonda Market that was constructed, became operational but later on during the COVID-19 pandemic, it was deserted.
At one particular time the deserted Market was to be converted into something else, however the Wednesday’s meeting came to a conclusion that it will remain a Market.
Traders who spoke during the meeting noted that the insecurity issues have affected the market for the last three years.
They called on area OCS to beef up security and ensure no gang groups are messing up the businesses in the area.
“We need security in this area. Our OCS should beef up security so that we can run out businesses,” stated one of the traders.
Sentiments echoed by majority who spoke during the meeting.
Issues of boundary review also came up during the meeting with residents calling for review to have a new Ward established and named Kaptembwa East Ward.
However, addressing the meeting, MP Arama was categorical that the Market should be occupied.
He stated that plans will be on to ensure those operating outside that market are removed to pave way for the market to be occupied.
According to the Lawmaker, the traders operating outside the market were given some money by the former Lee Kinyanjui regime to move and occupy the market but they decided to go back to operate there contrary to agreement.
“The traders inside the market cannot sell their goods while those outside the market are still operating. I think we shall have plans with security team so that those outside can move to allow the market thrive,” he stated.
During the meeting that was also attended by Nakuru County CECM for trade Stephen Kuria and Francis Njoroge from Governor Susan Kihika’s Political Affairs Office, it was unanimously agreed that the premise remains a market with proper security for businesses to thrive.
Arama called on the Market officials to pay a courtesy call to CECM Kuria with a list of things that should be done to ensure the market is operational.
He added that with great working relationship with Governor Kihika the issues of traders welfare shall be looked at.
On the issue of boundary review, the Lawmaker was categorical that the matter is yet to be determined wether there will be delimitation before 2027 polls.
He called on residents to remain patient during over the matter and continue to work under the current boundaries.
On his part CECM Kuria lauded the collaboration between Governor Kihika and MP Arama.
He pointed out that the Public Participation principle is enshrined in the constitution and for any decision to be reached, the constitution demands that such should be done.