Busia – Women Representative Ms. Catherine Omanyo has distributed umbrellas to over 50 roadside vendors in Busia Town to mitigate the effects of harsh weather conditions, as forecasted by the Meteorological Department. This donation was reported by the Kenya News Agency, following the legislator’s visit to various markets where she interacted with women food traders.
In a press statement, Omanyo noted that her initial target is to distribute umbrellas to 1,000 women vendors. She acknowledged the resilience of women in Busia, who continue to strive for a livelihood in challenging economic circumstances. Omanyo further stated that her ongoing efforts aim to empower women and enact a transformative agenda in the county, particularly considering the high poverty rates.
The legislator had spent time with women engaged in small-scale trading at locations including Bumala Market and along the Korinda-Busia road. She explained that the umbrellas would aid these women, locally referred to as Mama Mbogas, in coping with the current weather challenges.
The donation comes at a time when Busia Town has witnessed a rise in roadside hawking, mainly due to high unemployment rates. These vendors offer a range of food items, from roasted maize to sausages, serving both local residents and travelers.
Ms. Monika Akoth, a vendor at Bumala Market, praised Omanyo’s initiative, citing it as an example of a “Bottom-up Economic Agenda” that supports grassroots traders over more established businesses. Similar sentiments were expressed by vendors Lucy Oduor and Eunice Nafula at Soko Mjinga Market, who mentioned that the umbrellas have alleviated their worries about adverse weather conditions.
Omanyo also called upon the County Government of Busia to recognize and support these roadside vendors, many of whom cannot afford the cost of operating kiosks or stalls in established markets.