16 years of neglect: Kiamokama Market’s dream turns into a rusting nightmare

For over 16 years, Kiamokama Market in Masaba South, Kisii County has stood as a symbol of a failed public investment. Originally designed as a modern agricultural trading center, the market was intended to facilitate the sale of perishable produce, improve storage facilities, and help farmers secure better prices for their harvest. However, the facility has deteriorated significantly, with expensive refrigerators rusting and sections of the roof decayed, allowing rainwater to enter.

Traders like Jane Moraa and farmers such as Charles Magati express disappointment in the market's failure to meet its potential. They highlight the ongoing challenges faced by producers who must sell produce roadside or at low prices, often at the mercy of brokers. Samuel Matonda, who advocated for the project, acknowledges the need for rehabilitation but emphasizes the importance of educating and mobilizing farmers and traders.

The market's deterioration raises concerns about maintenance, management, and accountability. Public facilities require regular upkeep, proper equipment, effective management, and a viable business model to remain useful. Women traders face immediate consequences, as unsold produce quickly loses freshness, forcing them to sell at lower prices.

Despite Governor Simba Arati's administration's promise of revitalization, the market remains underutilized. Residents demand improvements such as better sanitation, lighting, security, storage, and a robust management system. The failure of Kiamokama Market exposes broader issues with public investment, where initial celebrations often lack continued attention to maintenance and operation.

The story illustrates the need for a thorough assessment of the project's shortcomings, a transparent rehabilitation plan, and a management structure capable of sustaining the investment in the long term. Kiamokama Market's continued deterioration highlights the challenges faced by taxpayers who often bear the cost of poorly maintained infrastructure.