21 traders whose businesses were destroyed during the recent protests against high fuel prices have received financial support to begin rebuilding after days of unrest.
The Murang'a County government issued cheques totalling Sh440,000 to support traders, in an effort to help businesspeople recover and rebuild their enterprises, and restore livelihoods disrupted by the unrest.
The financial support by the devolved administration, which was facilitated through the County Government Emergency Fund, benefited 21 businesses drawn from different parts of the town who suffered varying levels of destruction during the protests.
Speaking during the issuance of the cheques on Sunday, May 24, at the county headquarters, Governor Irungu Kang'ata said the county administration recognises the critical role played by the private sector in driving economic growth, creating employment and generating revenue through taxes.
Kang’ata noted that traders form the backbone of the county’s economy and therefore deserve support whenever emergencies and disasters disrupt their businesses.
“Our county strongly depends on the private sector and therefore we have a responsibility as a government to support traders whenever emergencies occur because they are the people who pay taxes and sustain our economy,” said the governor.
He explained that the amount awarded to each beneficiary was determined after an assessment exercise conducted by a county team, with the support being issued according to the extent of damage incurred by every business.
Muranga County Governor Irungu Kang'ata.
Photo credit: Wilfred Nyangaresi | Nation Media Group
The governor said the compensation may not fully cover all the losses suffered by the traders, but emphasised that the intervention was meant to offer relief and demonstrate solidarity with affected business owners as they work towards recovery.
“This may not fully compensate for all the losses incurred but it is one way of the government showing support and helping traders rise again after such unfortunate incidents,” he stated.
Kang’ata further clarified that the County Emergency Fund is not designed to address individual personal emergencies but is specifically meant to cater for damages and losses resulting from disasters, public emergencies and natural calamities affecting communities and businesses.
He assured traders that the county government would continue putting in place measures aimed at protecting businesses and ensuring a stable environment that supports investment and economic growth.
The governor affirmed that the devolved government remains committed to cushioning residents and businesses against unexpected disasters through emergency response programmes and recovery interventions.
Kang’ata noted that his administration will continue to support traders, safeguard businesses and promote a safe and conducive environment for economic growth and investment across the county.
He called the security team led by the county commissioner to protect the business premises, especially during demonstrations.
“Police have a mandate to protect people’s lives and their property. We don’t want to engage people to take law into their hands. Let police, among other security agencies, do their work in protecting locals and their investments.” He added.
On his part, Murang’a Township MCA Charles Machigo lauded the county government for the support to those who lost their merchandise during the protests.
Machigo called for investigations, observing that there could be some individuals who could have used the protests to perpetuate business rivalries.
“Murang’a is a peaceful county, but we were shocked by a group of goons who turned peaceful demonstrations to destroy, invade and rob our traders. This should not happen again.” Stated the MCA.
The traders noted that they had invested heavily in their businesses over the years and should not be forced to suffer losses because of political frustrations or violent demonstrations.
One of the most affected traders, businesswoman Joyce Wangui, who received Sh100,000 decried the destruction, saying the incident had disrupted her livelihood after her shop was looted, losing phones and other accessories.
The 21 traders welcomed the County Government’s financial support, saying it would help them rebuild their business.
