Food markets reel from full effects of coronavirus threat
As counties continue to close down food markets as precautionary measures to contain the spread of Covid-19, lack of stock and closure of borders is threatening incomes at an alarming rate.
With Nakuru County upbeat on their preparedness on the control of the virus, markets remain open, however, with minimal activities.
A spot check at various markets within the county revealed traders were incurring losses running into millions of shillings as fish and fingerlings prices nose-diving due to an unstable market.
At Wakulima Market fish and fingerlings, traders are feeling the pinch with low stocks attributing the same to the closure of borders.
Taking long
Jaqueline Anyango said suppliers have been taking longer to travel for stocks especially in Uganda and Tanzania because of the lengthy screening process, adding that some have stopped travelling to buy fish.
Having done business in the market for over 20 years, Anyango said her business has hit pit bottom in the last few days with customers opting to buy the goods at supermarkets for fear of contracting the virus.
“Paranoia of the virus will be the end of us, on a good day I used to earn at least Sh4,000 a day however at the moment I go home with Sh100. There is no business at all,” said Anyango.
The Kenyan Ministry of Health has intensified screening of people entering the country to manage the outbreak.
Another trader Elizabeth Okello said she has been dealt a big blow adding that being a sole breadwinner for her family the situation has worsened due to the virus.
“If this goes to the worst, we will be forced to close down and rely on the government for relief food since we have children at home and the economy is really harsh on us,” said Okello.
No more stock
Ruth Wanjiru a chicken trader at the market said they have decided not to add more stock as the ones available are yet to be sold due to the coronavirus panic.
“Customers are not showing up due to panic. The stock you see around is what we had even before the first coronavirus case was reported in the country,” said Wanjiru.
For vegetable sections, traders said there has been panic buying with nearly all stock depleting within a few hours saying the business is great.
However, according to traders, families are stocking up the same at their home for fear of a possible lockdown by the state saying they will soon be out of business.
Mary Wacuka, a potato trader at the market said business has not been affected as customers are still buying.
She appeals to the government to have all markets in operation to ensure supply for the citizens.
“Some goods such as potatoes, tomatoes, onions, and lemons are still on market,” said Wacuka.
