The floods struck early Monday morning, catching many traders by surprise. Reports indicate that hundreds of traders were affected, with stock including clothes, furniture, hardware, and coffins damaged beyond repair.
Some traders reported losses running into hundreds of thousands of shillings, disrupting livelihoods that rely on daily trade.
Eyewitnesses described how water swept through stalls, leaving soaked goods and debris in its wake. Several traders struggled to salvage merchandise, but rising waters and strong currents made recovery impossible.
One of the most severely affected is Benson Oma, a coffin maker, who revealed that he lost his entire stock along with essential tools. He estimated the total loss at KSh 300,000, representing months of work and investment.
“I had just finished making new coffins, and now they are all gone. I will have to start from scratch,” Oma said, expressing despair over the sudden blow to his business and income.
The coffins, each priced between KSh 30,000 and KSh 40,000, were meant to serve clients later this week, but the floods rendered them unsellable.
Other market vendors were similarly affected. A second hand clothing trader lost all her stock, leaving her unable to support her family. A wholesale trader reported that goods worth KSh 1.2 million were destroyed.
Food vendors and furniture sellers also reported damage, creating a ripple effect in the local economy. The losses have not only affected income but also disrupted supply chains and customer access to essential goods.
Floodwaters also partially destroyed a main bridge in Migori Town, complicating transport and access to the market.
According to Suna West Sub County Police Commander Chrispine Ogutu, vehicles are now diverted to alternative routes, while pedestrians can use the bridge cautiously.
The damage has further hampered market recovery, as traders struggle to move goods in and out of affected areas.
Traders have urged Migori County Government to relocate market operations to safer grounds, such as the newly built Marindi Market, which is on higher terrain.
They argue that without proper relocation and drainage improvements, repeated flooding will continue to threaten livelihoods.
Community leaders have emphasized the need for long term flood mitigation measures, warning that recurrent losses will worsen poverty in the region.
As floodwaters recede and cleanup begins, traders in Migori are left grappling with immense financial losses. Many hope for government support to help rebuild their businesses, while also calling for preventive measures to avert similar disasters in future rainy seasons.
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