Kisumu hawkers urged to stay united amidst challenges

Hawkers in the lakeside city of Kisumu have been urged to remain united amidst the challenges affecting their daily activities.

Fred Odumo, an advocate of the High Court, highlighted that hawkers face numerous hurdles in their operations and that unity is the most promising tool for overcoming these obstacles.

Odumo, who has shown interest in the Kisumu County Senatorial seat for 2027, mentioned that he has initiated conversations with various stakeholders to address some of the social issues within the county.

"I started with a meeting with hawkers to listen to them and come up with actionable points that can take them to another level," he said.

Odumo emphasized that hawkers must stay united to tackle the bottlenecks in their sector.

He believes that economic empowerment will only be realized if the sector explores new market strategies.

"We have had problems in the Kibuye market, which threatened to affect its operations, but it's only through unity that arising matters can be resolved," he added.

Speaking to the press in Kisumu after a meeting with representatives of hawkers from over 20 groups, Odumo pledged his support for transforming the county's economic base.

"Hawkers have great potential to grow their own source revenue in the county, and this can be achieved through partnerships," he stated.

He promised to prioritize the issues raised by the hawkers in the next dispensation.

George Okoth, the umbrella chairman of the hawkers, praised the politician's efforts to listen to their concerns.

"We are convinced that slowly we're getting the right leadership in this county," said Okoth.

He noted that hawkers have been neglected by the political leadership, and that discussions about their welfare are a step in the right direction.

"This is a great move, and we are thrilled that we're important and a part of this society," he added.

Okoth emphasized that the next election will be issue-based, with hawkers rallying behind political leaders who have the vision and means to support grassroots entities.

Recently, Odumo has engaged with Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party officials across the county as part of his introductory efforts for the senatorial position.

"I am in the second phase of meeting all stakeholders, including the business community in the county, to discuss ways of empowerment," said Odumo.