Homa bay: Various market centers in Homa Bay county are set to benefit from a street light project aimed at fighting insecurity. The project, funded by Kwame Otiende Foundation, entails the erection of solar-powered street lights at trading centers, where traders have been operating in darkness from dusk.

According to Kenya News Agency, the Foundation has commenced the project at Rodi market in South Kasipul Ward, Kasipul constituency. The project coordinator, Alex Ogoro, said they intend to undertake the project in at least each of the 40 wards in the County. “Through the Foundation, we have started erecting the lights at Rodi Market and we’re going to proceed to the other wards from next month,” he stated, adding that their objective was to implement the project in major markets across the county.

Ogoro, while launching the project, expressed confidence that the initiative would extend business hours for traders while minimizing incidents of insecurity. He mentioned that more than 80 lights are planned for installation in phase one of the project. The coordinator explained that the project was initiated following residents’ complaints about criminals exploiting the darkness to commit crimes. “We hope to alleviate crime through the solar lighting project,” he said.

John Obonyo, the chairman of Boda boda Riders Association, highlighted that many residents have been robbed in darkness. He expressed hope that the project will create a conducive atmosphere for businesses at the market. Additionally, Anastacia Akinyi, a micro enterprises operator, noted that the lights would enable them to conduct business for longer hours and improve their turnover. “We have been closing our businesses early in the evening due to fear. The lights will give us longer hours to trade,” said Akinyi.