Nyamira County Embarks on Revitalization of Dormant Markets to Stimulate BusinessNamibia Bids Farewell to President Hage Geingob at Heroes’ Acre

NYAMIRA, Kenya — In an ambitious effort to enhance revenue collection and support local businesses, Nyamira County has launched a comprehensive program aimed at revitalizing dormant markets throughout the region. This initiative, spearheaded by the Department of Trade, focuses on updating and reactivating both fresh produce and livestock markets that have remained inactive for extended periods.

According to Kenya News Agency, Bernard Maina, the rejuvenation of these markets will occur in phases. This strategic approach allows the county government to efficiently allocate resources, ensuring the upgraded facilities meet the needs of traders and consumers alike. Maina emphasized the goal of reducing the distances traders must travel to conduct business, addressing a long-standing concern among the local trading community about the time and costs associated with transporting goods to distant markets.

Speaking at the Makairo market in Bogichora ward during the inauguration of its livestock section, Maina highlighted the importance of these markets in easing the logistical challenges faced by traders. “We have heard the cries of our traders who are travelling kilometers away to sell or buy goods in the markets which are usually away from their homes. This has meant they use a lot of resources in transporting fresh produce and agricultural fresh produce which are perishable,” Maina explained.

He also urged traders to contribute to county revenue, underscoring the link between their payments and the government’s capacity to deliver enhanced services. The opening of the livestock market at Makairo is seen as a significant step towards creating a more efficient and sustainable trading environment within the county.

Bogichora ward MCA George Morara pledged to advocate for increased funding for the Trade Department to ensure that market infrastructures are developed to meet the traders’ needs. “As the MCA, I will push for more funds to the Department of Trade so that our markets can be developed in terms of infrastructure for traders to have a conducive working environment because it is through trade that we get revenue to develop our country,” Morara stated.

Local residents and traders have expressed optimism about the potential impact of the revitalized markets on the local economy. The livestock market, in particular, is expected to facilitate better money circulation within the area and serve as a catalyst for further expansion of market facilities that had been nearly abandoned.

Peter Osano, a local trader, called on the county government to prioritize the development of market infrastructure, emphasizing its significance not only for Nyamira residents but also for neighboring communities. The concerted efforts of the county government and local leaders aim to transform these once-dormant markets into bustling centers of trade and economic activity.

WINDHOEK – Namibia’s late President Hage Geingob was honored and laid to rest at Heroes’ Acre, located outside Windhoek, on Sunday. The ceremony for Geingob, who passed away on February 4, 2024, after a brief battle with cancer, included a 21-gun salute. His final resting place is within one of the four mausoleums at the national shrine, signifying his importance to the nation and its history.

According to Namibia Press Agency, President Nangolo Mbumba, acting as the chief mourner, paid tribute to Geingob, recalling his significant contributions to Namibia’s struggle for independence and his leadership roles. Geingob, described as a national hero, was remembered for his efforts in resisting colonialism since 1884, leading to the national arms resistance in 1966 and ultimately, Namibia’s independence in 1990. President Mbumba praised Geingob’s tenure as a courageous freedom fighter, a unifying chairperson of the Constituent Assembly, a consequential prime minister, and the third president of the Republic of Namibia and of the ruling party, Swapo.

Mbumba reassured the nation that the Namibian house and the needs of its citizens would remain a priority, with a commitment to uphold the Constitution as the supreme law. He emphasized the ongoing pursuit of economic freedom for Namibians, aiming for shared prosperity and social justice. Geingob’s legacy is survived by his wife Monica Geingos, eight children, three grandchildren, and two siblings, marking the end of an era for Namibia but also the continuation of his vision for the country.