Trade
The security agencies in Busia County have held an engagement for peace with the fish traders at Busia Trans-shipment Fish Market. This follows reports from a section of traders over insecurity and leadership wrangles at the market.
The meeting which was chaired by Busia Municipality Division Assistant County Commissioner Calvin Monari resolved to ensure continuous engagements between the administration and the traders. ‘We have agreed that we will continue to engage and support the traders. We will also preach peace so that our people continue to do business for their sustainability,” he said.
Monari advised the traders to report any cases of breach of peace and disorderly conduct to the security agencies instead of taking the law into their own hands. ‘We have shared our contacts and given them different channels they can use to reach security agencies,’ he said.
He cited displeasure of a section of traders with their current leadership as another problem that needed intervention. “If you were not satisfied with the election of market officials, you can write a petition to CECM- trade Busia County who will reply in 7 days. Alternatively, you can go to court and file a petition, “he said.
One of the fish traders at Busia Trans-shipment Fish Market speaking during the peace meeting with security agencies. They were urged to work closely with security agencies in ensuring that complaint cases are handled well.
Busia OCS Maximillan Onyango in her address urged the traders to be peaceful. “I want us to maintain peace. If you have a problem, come to the station and I can assure you that the issue will be solved. If you feel any officer has mistreated you, kindly come, I will help you. Let’s love each other, she said.
Bonface Osogo, chairman Busia Trans-shipment fish market said he is determined to ensure there is peace and smooth running of business at the market. ‘I want peace at the market. I will sit with all traders so as we work together to see our businesses move forward,” he said
He urged the traders to work with the elected leaders and have dialogue that will help to improve operations of the market. “If there is an issue, let’s dialogue and get a solution. Our office is here to serve everyone from the investors to the traders,” he said, adding that wrangles will only lead to closure of businesses.
Neema Oduory, a trader at the market called for inclusivity in the leadership of the market as a way that will bring peace. “Let us have leadership that is well represented. We should not have selfish leaders if we want to move forward,’ she said.
She urged traders not to discriminate against each other on ethnic basis but instead work as a team.”Let’s not allow the issue of ethnicity to occupy us because it will destroy us,” she said.
The meeting brought together market leadership, fish traders from Kenya, Uganda and DRC Congo who operate at the market, police officers and national government administration. It aimed at finding a peaceful solution to issues affecting fish traders at the Market.
