This archive report was first published on 5 January 2022.
On January 5, 2022, residents of Kolwa East ward in Kenya were urged to take the lead in ensuring their local markets are kept clean.
Engineer Okoth Rakwach, a local philanthropist, warned residents that the unhygienic condition of the markets poses a significant health risk, particularly to women and children. He stated, “I have realised that our local markets have been neglected and no cleaning has been taking place exposing our women and children to diseases in spite of the hard economic times.”
As part of his initiative to give back to society, Rakwach launched a cleaning campaign targeting the markets, including smaller ones in the Kolwa area such as Lusi. He emphasized the importance of prevention, saying, “The markets cleaning programme include smaller markets in Kolwa area such as Lusi,” Eng. Rakwach added.
Rakwach appealed to residents, especially the youth, to support the initiative for its success, “I urge the residents especially the youth to support this initiative.”
Residents committed to fully supporting the exercise, which they believe will help keep diseases such as cholera and dysentery at bay. A resident expressed their appreciation for Rakwach's efforts, saying, “As locals, we want to say that the engineer is doing a good job and we fully support him.”
Eng Rakwach and the residents were seen cleaning Orongo market, following their earlier efforts at Angola and Chiga markets.
By Milton Onyango
