Cattle traders in Homa Bay County have issued a warning to the county government, threatening to boycott tax payments over what they describe as neglect and lack of proper trading facilities.
Speaking on Thursday, September 4, 2025, the traders said they have endured poor conditions for almost a decade. They claimed that about 26 auction rings across the county are under threat from private developers, leaving them with no secure spaces to conduct their business.
“The issue we are addressing today is a long-term journey that we have struggled with for almost 10 years. All livestock traders within Homa Bay County have been neglected by the county government. We have 26 cattle auction rings that are being claimed by private developers,” one trader explained.
The traders further noted that they contribute close to 70% of Homa Bay County’s own-source revenue but have been sidelined in terms of infrastructure and market development. They warned revenue collection officers against visiting their trading points until their grievances are addressed.
“We have resolved that we are not going to remit taxes. We are not enemies of the county government, but our sector is ignored despite being the backbone of revenue collection in Homa Bay. We want proper sheds and land designated for cattle auctions,” a traders’ leader said.
Another trader lamented that even the governor’s car has a shed while livestock markets remain neglected. “Hakuna ploti imetengwa kwa kufanya uchuuzi wa ng’ombe. Uchuuzi wa ng’ombe unafanywa kwa ploti binafsi, na hii imefanya county government isidevelope hii soko,” he complained.
In response, Homa Bay County Chief Officer for Livestock Development, Bernard Okoth Omwanda, assured traders that their concerns are being addressed. He revealed that four of the county’s eight sub-counties Rachuonyo South, Rachuonyo North, Rangwe, and Ndhiwa already have operational auction rings, with plans underway to cover the rest.
Omwanda urged traders not to boycott taxes, warning that such a move would cripple county operations. “By paying taxes, it is supporting us. The idea of not paying taxes will really affect us because there is nowhere else we can get this money,” he said.
