Traders battle for control of lucrative fish business in Eldoret

Fish traders scramble to pay for orders from Erick Ochieng, a fisherman at Dunga Beach in Kisumu on March 18, 2020. [File, Standard]

Uasin Gishu county government has said it will not favor any trader in the battle to control fish trade in Eldoret city.

This comes after two groups of traders clashed over the lucrative business.

Uasin Gishu county Chief Officer for Trade Geoffrey Tanui said they held discussions with all parties Wednesday.

On Tuesday, chaos erupted after one group sought to stop an investor, Victory Farm, from engaging in retail business.

Another group welcomed the producer and supplier, saying the firm was helping ordinary consumers get fish at a cheaper cost.

However, one faction said the supplier who deals in fish cages in Lake Victoria should stop retail business, and instead focus on supplying to wholesalers.

Those opposing the Kisumu-based fish supplier are fish wholesalers while those in support of large-scale supplies were local consumers who also lauded a move by the investor to set up several depots in Eldoret, saying he would create employment opportunities apart from reducing prices of fish.

Mary Atieno of Mama Sophy Fish Depot in Eldoret said it was unfair for Victory Farm to venture into retail business when it was the biggest fish supplier.

Atieno warned that the move would cripple wholesale business and result in job losses.

“What will happen to many wholesalers and retail fish vendors when the main supplier decides to compete with hustlers in retailing?” Posed the trader.

The fish wholesalers and retailers staged protests in Langas, Kapseret sub-county where some of the supplier’s depots are located.

The main supplier had already secured a license from the Uasin Gishu county to operate fish business in the town, but the local vendors said they would incur losses since consumers would get fish directly from the supplier.

Millicent Omware also known as Mama Samaki said it was wrong for a fish producer to take up retail business.

“We are requesting the Uasin Gishu county government to intervene. Let the fish producer remain as a supplier. You can’t be the farmer and retailer at the same time,” the trader said.

The faction supporting the supplier’s involvement in retail trade said traders who had controlled the fish business for years should accept the reality of cheaper fish and stop complaining when consumers get an alternative.

Dan Oduol said the new fish supplier, who was setting up several fish stores in Eldoret, would create job opportunities.

“Traders should understand that Eldoret is now a city and every investor is coming to set up new businesses. Others are expanding their businesses. We should allow everyone to do their business,” he added.

Tanui, the Trade Chief Officer said the county will continue supporting new investments in the city and no trader would be denied a license.

“One of our principal roles is to support trade and new investments to thrive. At the same time, we aspire to provide a conducive environment for all traders,” said Tanui.