Willis Otieno raises alarm over state of some Kenyan markets
By Mustafa Juma, May 4, 2026Constitutional lawyer Willis Otieno has raised concerns over the poor state of markets in parts of the country, highlighting what he described as deplorable conditions facing small-scale traders.
Taking to his official X account on Monday, May 4, 2026, following a recent visit to Oyugis, the Safina deputy party leader said he was “heartbroken” by the situation on the ground, particularly the challenges endured by women traders.
Otieno painted a grim picture of market conditions, noting that many traders operate in environments lacking basic infrastructure.
“I was at Oyugis over the weekend, and frankly, I’m heartbroken by what I saw at our markets. Our resilient mothers and sisters are literally struggling in mud and dust, with no protection from sun or rain, and barely any sanitation,” Otieno stated.
Leadership and service delivery
He questioned how traders are expected to sustain their livelihoods under such circumstances, despite consistently paying market fees.
“How do they even manage to survive, let alone earn a living under such inhumane conditions? It makes me question if we truly have leaders here, or just titles. They diligently pay their market fees yet get ZERO services or infrastructure in return,” he added.
Otieno used the situation to question the effectiveness of local leadership, suggesting that there is a disconnect between revenue collection and service provision.
Markets in Kenya are largely managed by county governments, making them a key component of devolved service delivery under the Constitution.
Proposes reforms
Otieno outlined a set of proposals aimed at improving market conditions and restoring dignity for traders.
“Our plan is simple yet transformative: we will push for permanent, weather-proof stalls, accessible credit and clean water, and proper, hygienic ablution blocks for every market,” he said.
He emphasised that improving market infrastructure is essential for economic empowerment, particularly for women, who form the majority of traders.
“Empowerment starts with basic human respect,” he said.
Ruto’s commitment
Otieno’s remarks come amid President William Ruto’s push to construct modern markets across the country.
Gikomba is one of the markets that has been identified by the Kenya Kwanza administration for a major revamp. In April, Ruto slammed leaders for mobilising traders at Gikomba against moving to pave the way for the transformation, yet they do not shop at the market.
Speaking on Thursday, April 9, 2026, during the special address of the Nairobi County Assembly, Ruto explained that the same leaders who are against the new move by the government are encouraging an uncondisive work environment for the traders.
“When a leader goes and mobilises people in Gikomba and tells them not to move, continue to do your business in filth and in the mud. That leader, they buy nothing from Gikomba, they never go to Gikomba to shop anything,” Ruto stated.
According to Ruto, the vision of transitioning Gikomba was brought forth by the leadership of the open market, an initiative that the President said was touching.
“I was very touched when I saw the leadership of Gikomba Market step forward and say we want our market to be built, stop the politics, and I had a long chat with them,” Ruto said.