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Kisumu county orders immediate closure of Kibuye Market

Saturday 26th April, 2025 10:04 AM| By Mustafa Juma

Kisumu County government has directed the immediate cessation of all operations at Kibuye Market until further notice.

A statement shared via Governor Nyong’o’s official social media accounts on the night of Friday, April 25, 2025, indicated that the decision had been reached following a detailed assessment of the market by the Department of Public Health.

The statement further noted that the department had raised serious concerns over the existence of multiple public health nuisances at the market, which not only pose a significant threat to the health of the general public but also risk escalating the spread of cholera.

Public health nuisances

The nuisances identified are lack of clean and safe water supply, improper solid waste management, unsanitary ablution blocks and toilet facilities, open and unsafe cooking practices within the market, and blocked drainage systems and encroachment on access lanes.

“The City of Kisumu wishes to inform members of the public, traders, and all relevant stakeholders of an urgent public health intervention at Kibuye Market, following a detailed assessment by the Department of Public Health,” the statement read in part.

“The department has raised serious concerns over the existence of multiple public health nuisances at the market, which not only pose a significant threat to the health of the general public but also risk escalating the spread of cholera, a disease currently being reported in parts of the city and beyond.”

Adding: “To this effect, and pursuant to Section 117 of the Public Health Act Cap 242, read together with Cap 254 and regulations thereunder, the Public Health Department has directed the IMMEDIATE CESSATION OF ALL OPERATIONS at Kibuye Market until further notice.”

Risk to public health

The Kisumu County noted that the conditions pose an imminent risk to public health, especially during this rainy season when waterborne disease transmission is heightened.

The order is expected to remain in force until the identified public health nuisances are solved.

Kibuye market traders relocated

As a result of the temporary closure, the market day for Kibuye Market will be relocated to Uhuru Business Market.

“Further, we wish to inform the general public and all traders that, during this temporary closure, the market day for Kibuye Market will be relocated to Uhuru Business Market. The city has put in place adequate measures to facilitate a smooth transition and ensure minimal disruption to trading activities.

“We assure the public and stakeholders that the City of Kisumu is committed to resolving the identified public health concerns with urgency. Every effort will be made to ensure that Kibuye Market resumes normal operations within the shortest time possible. The city remains committed to ensuring a clean, safe, and healthy environment for trade,” the statement read.

Risk to public health

The Kisumu County government noted that the conditions pose an imminent risk to public health, especially during this rainy season when waterborne disease transmission is heightened.

The order is expected to remain in force until the identified public health nuisances are solved.