SIAYA COUNTY MOVES TO STRENGTHEN MANAGEMENT AND OWNERSHIP OF NEWLY CONSTRUCTED ESP MARKETS
By Samson Wire
The Acting County Secretary and Head of the County Public Service, Ms. Elizabeth Adongo, today chaired a multi-sectoral consultative meeting to deliberate on the planned transfer, operationalisation, management and maintenance of markets developed under the National Government’s Affordable Housing Programme and the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP).
The meeting, attended by the County Executive Committee Member for Trade, Enterprise, Industry and Cooperatives, Mrs. Christine Jennifer Oyuu, alongside representatives from key County Government departments, focused on establishing a coordinated framework for the structured handover of the markets to the County Government. Five markets are ready for transfer, while several others remain at various stages of development.
Discussions centred on a comprehensive assessment of the facilities, covering operational readiness, management arrangements, maintenance requirements and outstanding matters between the Council of Governors (CoG) and the State Department for Housing and Urban Development (SDHUD) relating to the transfer and management of the markets.
Other critical issues included land ownership, previous demolitions, compensation claims, outstanding commitments and the need to clarify institutional responsibilities before the facilities are formally handed over.
A key priority was ensuring meaningful engagement and buy-in from traders and beneficiary communities. The meeting underscored that successful infrastructure development extends beyond construction to encompass community ownership, security, sustainability and effective service delivery.
Among the completed ESP markets ready for transfer are Bar Ober, Akala, Obambo and Riat Kolemo.
Ms. Adongo emphasised that substantial public investments must translate into functional, vibrant and economically productive trading spaces, supported by clear institutional accountability and sustainable management frameworks.
It was agreed that the County Executive Committee Members responsible for Lands, Physical Planning, Housing and Urban Development, and Trade, Enterprise, Industry and Cooperatives will jointly spearhead the preparation of a Cabinet Paper. This paper will provide policy direction and secure Cabinet concurrence on the proposed transfer and management framework.
A multi-departmental technical team will subsequently undertake detailed assessments of the markets, document outstanding issues and submit recommendations to a coordinating team chaired by the County Secretary. These recommendations will guide the next steps towards formal handover and operationalisation.
Departments represented included Chief Officer for Trade Michael Obambo, Director of Administration Henry Ouma, Director of Survey Vincent, Trade Director Chris Owang, Deputy Finance Cornel Odhiambo and Governance Administrator George Akelo.
The initiative reflects the County Government’s commitment to responsible management of public assets, intergovernmental coordination, trader participation and sustainable urban economic development.
Well-managed markets form the backbone of local economies. By securing clear ownership, sustainable operations and active community involvement in these newly constructed facilities, Siaya County is laying the foundation for increased trade, job creation, improved livelihoods for traders and stronger revenue streams that will support broader county development for years to come.
Additional by Mariam Nyanguka
