Food markets in Narok County reopened after two week closure

Narok food markets have been opened for business after a 14-day shutdown meant to avert the possible spread of coronavirus

Narok County Commissioner Samuel Kimiti said the markets were opened after a series of fumigation and proper sanitation measures were put in place.

“We had closed the markets two weeks ago to curb the spread of the deadly virus. However, due to the public outcry and the necessity of food, we have decided to fumigate the markets and ensure high standards of cleanliness are maintained,” said Kimiti.

The county commissioner spoke Sunday night when he led fumigation exercise at Muthurwa market, which is the largest food market in the county, where he asked the market representatives to come up with rules and regulations that would help prevent the deadly virus from spreading in the market.

“The market representatives are our eyes and we expect them to be in the front line of helping us fight Coronavirus. We do not want to leave anything to chance,” said Kimiti.

He was accompanied by Narok Executive Member in Charge of Health Morgan Siloma and Narok Chamber of Commerce Chairman David Ole Mpantiny.

The executive member insisted on the need to observe basic rules set by the government like social distancing, washing hands before entering the market and when getting out.

He said the fumigation exercise would be conducted in all the major markets in the county to enable residents to resume the buying of foods at a cheaper price.

“We will be carrying out impromptu visits just to ensure that the traders and buyers are complying to the regulations. Where we find the rules flouted, we will have no chance other than closing the markets,” said Siloma.

Siloma added the fumigation exercise would also be carried out in all crowded areas such as bus stops and hospitals, police stations, children homes, prisons and offices in a bid to be sure that the virus does not spread in those areas.