Kenya: Kisumu closes market due to cholera risk

Kisumu City has closed Kibuye Market after an urgent risk assessment by the department of public health. The assessment denounced several serious public health hazards that pose a direct threat to traders and the public. City Manager Abala Wanga said the conditions at the market increase the risk of spreading cholera, a disease that has recently been reported in parts of the city and neighboring regions. Abala underlined the lack of clean and safe water supply, improper solid waste management, unsanitary toilet facilities, unsafe cooking practices within the market, blocked drainage systems, and encroachment on access lanes. These conditions endanger public health, especially during the current rainy season when the risk of waterborne disease transmission is heightened. Abala said that the closure, based on Section 117 of the Public Health Act Cap 242, will remain in force until the market has undertaken various improvement measures, including the rehabilitation of all toilet facilities and the restructuring of eateries according to public health standards. During the closure period, the trading activities of Kibuye Market will be relocated to Uhuru Business Market. Abala stated that the city has taken adequate actions to facilitate a smooth transition and ensure a return to normal operations at Kibuye Market within the shortest possible time.