Governor Lenku says reopening of the markets is aimed at stabilising commodity prices
By GPSU
Governor Joseph ole Lenku has reopened all livestock markets across the county after traders “complied” with government measures aimed at curbing the spread of Covid-19.
Accompanied by Kajiado County Security team led by the County Commissioner Joshua Nkanatha and County Police Commander Beatrice Gachago at the Emali market in Kenyawa-Poka Ward, Ole Lenku said the livestock market will resume every Friday and called on the traders not to relax the conditions.
“We are reopening the markets on condition that the measures that have been put in place by the Department of Public Health are adhered to,” said the Governor.
Cattle saleyards in Ilbissil, Emali, Kimana, Shompole and Kiserian were closed last month to contain human contact in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Governor Lenku said Kajiado has been a big producer of meat and other agricultural produce, and so re-opening the markets was meant to stabilise the prices of the commodities.
“We assure Kenyans of a stable supply of food to cushion them against price hikes. Food is the next big challenge as this pandemic escalates. We are working on how we can keep producing more,” said the Governor.
He reminded the traders that all levies related to food, including livestock cess, had been suspended until June 30, 2020.
The Governor reiterated that social distance remained a big challenge to the trading activities and said Inspectorate officers and other security officers will not relent in enforcing the rules.
He announced the expansion of the Emali market selling space, and that trading will be allowed to take place outside the fenced area but within the county land.
The County Commissioner said security would be provided to all traders and warned that only non-compliance of the guidelines could lead to a closure of the markets.
