By Jabali Digital
Hundreds of traders at Kisumu’s Kondele market have every reason to smile, after receiving funds toward boosting their businesses, drawn from an empowerment drive spearheaded by area Member of Parliament (MP) Joshua Odongo Oron.
In November 2025, Orion organized a fundraiser for Kondele and Kibuye traders presided over by Cabinet Secretary (CS) for treasury John Mbadi, where over Sh7 million were raised.
Addressing the press during the issuance of cheques at the market on Tuesday, Leonard Omollo, Kondele market chairman said the traders will receive over Sh3 million distributed through 81 groups, which means each group will get an average of Sh39,000.
“This is an empowerment fund which means boosting our businesses. If you stock was Sh1,000 for instance, you add it to Sh2,000 or Sh3,000,” said Omollo.
Isaiah Okoth, Kondele market General Secretary said that they received Sh3.3 million as their share from the funds drive, expressing confidence that the money will go a long way in boosting their businesses.
“As the Kondele business community, we are always on the receiving end during street protests. These funds will really empower our groups and businesses.”
During the fundraiser in November, Mbadi contributed Sh3 million with president Ruto marching the amount, while CS for Interior Onesmus Kipchumba Murokomen contributed Sh1 million.
“Kibuye and Kondele traders witnessed the power of unity today. We planted a seed of empowerment that will grow into real opportunities for our traders,” said Oron, then.
The event went on, despite facing opposition from some Kibuye traders, allied to their chairperson Judith Matengo alias Nyaramba, who is facing assault charges.
Kibuye traders will receive their share on Thursday, January 08, 2026.
