The bustling Ahero Market, a hub of trade and livelihood in Kisumu County, has recently come under sharp scrutiny.

The County’s department of Water, Environment, and Natural Resources, in collaboration with the municipal leadership of Ahero and Awasi, has issued a stern warning to traders over neglecting their responsibility to maintain cleanliness within the market.

Authorities say the growing disregard for sanitation has undermined ongoing efforts to improve the environment in Ahero and has contributed to the spread of diseases linked to poor hygiene. The warning comes at a time when public health officials are increasingly concerned about the risks posed by uncollected waste and unsanitary trading conditions.

Speaking to CapeMedia, County Executive Committee for Environment Judith Oluoch emphasized the urgency of the matter. “We cannot allow negligence to compromise the health of our people. Clean markets are not just about aesthetics, they are about protecting lives,” she said firmly.

The directive now requires that Ahero and Awasi markets be thoroughly cleaned every Wednesday. Traders who fail to comply with the new order will face strict penalties.

According to municipal manager Lazarus Orengo, the move is not intended to punish but to instill discipline and accountability.

“This is about shared responsibility. Every trader must understand that maintaining hygiene is part of doing business. We are providing tools, but the commitment must come from the community itself,” he explained.
To support the initiative, the county government has distributed waste collection bins to traders, ensuring that garbage is properly managed and disposed of. The bins are expected to reduce littering and make it easier for sanitation teams to collect waste efficiently.

Residents and traders alike have expressed mixed reactions. While some welcome the move as a long overdue intervention, others worry about the enforcement of penalties. Still, the county insists that the health of the community must take precedence.

The renewed focus on sanitation at Ahero Market reflects a broader push by Kisumu County to safeguard public health and promote sustainable urban management.

As the market continues to thrive as a center of commerce, the hope is that discipline in hygiene will match the vibrancy of trade, ensuring that prosperity does not come at the cost of public well being.