Interior PS Raymond Omollo pledged stronger security for businesses in Homa Bay.
Interior PS Raymond Omollo pledges stronger security as traders raise concerns over credit, electricity, infrastructure and welfare support.
Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has promised stronger security for Homa Bay traders facing intimidation and business disruptions. He said the government would act firmly against criminals threatening their livelihoods.
Speaking at a meeting with business leaders and members in Ndhiwa Sub-county, Omollo pledged support for uninterrupted trading. The Interior Ministry, he said, would work with security agencies to address threats, including those affecting night-time businesses.
Security pledge for Homa Bay traders
Omollo said authorities would not tolerate criminal activities that undermine traders’ ability to earn a living. He stressed that businesses need a safe environment, free from theft, intimidation and other threats.
Alongside enforcement, he called for engagement with young people involved in crime. Authorities would encourage them to pursue lawful economic opportunities instead.
The meeting also gave traders an opportunity to outline challenges affecting their daily operations. They raised insecurity, limited credit, inadequate infrastructure and unreliable electricity, alongside concerns about hygiene and welfare support.
Credit access and market facilities
Turning to financing, Omollo outlined government measures intended to help small businesses access credit and expand. These included changes to credit reference bureau listing rules and loans through the Hustler Fund.
He said the changes aim to help affected borrowers rebuild their credit histories and regain access to financing. Meanwhile, the Hustler Fund offers loans to individuals and small businesses.
Omollo described traders as central to the economy and stressed the importance of supporting their operations. He also cited affordable housing and modern market construction as initiatives expected to stimulate economic activity.
More than 600 markets were under construction nationally, including in Homa Bay, he said. The projects aim to give traders better facilities and improve their access to customers.
Proposed facilities include cold rooms and refrigeration to help sellers preserve perishable goods and reduce losses. In particular, Omollo said fish traders would benefit from improved storage facilities.
He noted that fish businesses depend on effective storage and transport to move catches from the lake to consumers. Road construction and rehabilitation would also improve connections between production areas and markets, he said.
In addition, Omollo pointed to the government’s last-mile electricity connectivity programme. He said it was expected to extend power access to businesses, markets and homes.
Traders seek stronger welfare support
Beyond security and infrastructure, traders sought stronger welfare arrangements for members facing illness or bereavement. They also called for better access to business support and improved trading conditions.
Omollo commended business community leaders for bringing traders from different sectors together to discuss their concerns. He said the forum enabled direct engagement with national and county leaders, including county assembly members.
The PS pledged continued discussions with stakeholders to address the challenges facing businesses in Homa Bay. He also urged traders to strengthen cooperation through their associations.
Such cooperation, he said, would help members support one another during difficult times while contributing to local economic development.
