Streetlights bring dream of 24-hour economy to life

A sugarcane trader ferries his canes to Kisii town. Traders in Kisii town and its environs can now carry out business until late in the night without a worry about security after the county government installed streetlights. PHOTO | BENSON MOMANYI | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Traders in the town and its environs can now carry out business until late in the night without a worry about security.
  • Further, he says, security is assured, especially around residential estates in town, as the county government erected at least one street light at pick-up and dropping off zones.
  • Kisii Lands Executive Moses Onderi said the street lighting project launched last year was a big boost to the economy.

When the county government installed streetlights in Kisii Town last year, the intention was for businesses to operate round the clock.

One year later, the dream has come to life.

Traders in the town and its environs can now carry out business until late in the night without a worry about security.

The Daily Nation found Mrs Monica Omboki selling vegetables at 11pm under one of the new floodlights.

Most people have retired to bed but for her, the day is far from over.

LIT LIKE DAY

She says two years ago, this would not have been possible as most parts of the market were dark. “These days, I do other things during the day and at night I bring my vegetables, milk, sugarcane and other produce for sale,” she says.

Asked about her safety, she said: “The town is lit like day and no one can harm me. I used to live in fear of being attacked by street kids but who will attack you where there is light?”

Mr Erick Akush, a boda boda who also works at night, said business has improved since more people stay in town until late.

Further, he says, security is assured, especially around residential estates in town, as the county government erected at least one street light at pick-up and dropping off zones.

“Since the street lights were installed, you see more people in town at night that during a slow day like Tuesday, meaning more business for us,” Mr Akush said.
“A lot of bikes used to be stolen by people who would pretend to be customers and lure you to a waiting gang, but with the lights there are fewer incidents,” he said.
24-HOUR ECONOMY
Kisii Lands Executive Moses Onderi said the street lighting project launched last year was a big boost to the economy.

He said phase two of the project, which will include residential areas, will soon be rolled out.

He said the county government wants to achieve a 24-hour economy and this is one of the steps towards that goal. “Some towns in rural areas could have shut businesses by around six or seven, but lately business thrives until 10 or 11 in towns like Ogembo or Nyamache,” Mr Onderi said.

To attract more people to trade at night, the county government does not tax to those trading after 8pm.