Traders in Ahero market in Nyando, Kisumu county whose goods worth millions were razed down two weeks ago have received Sh950,000 to rebuild their businesses.

The money was raised on Saturday by a host of county leaders and handed over to the market officials.

Central Nyakach MCA Vincent Obuya, Nyakach MP Aduma Owuor, Kisumu Central MP Dr Joshua Oron, Ahero MCA and majority leader Ken Ooko and Kisumu speaker Elisha Oraro were among the leaders at the fundraiser.

The money targets to help the more than 30 affected traders reconstruct their shops and resume business.

The fire incident which is still under investigation affected in the cereals section of the market.

Only a few traders managed to salvage their items but a majority had their goods burnt down.

Market chairman Robert Ouko said most of the traders were left devastated following the inferno which burnt down their goods.

The firefighters from the county government arrived when huge damage had already been done.

Obuya, who presided over the event donated a total of Sh315,000 and asked market officials to ensure prudent use of the funds.

Out of the Sh315,000, he set aside Sh165,000 for the fire victims to buy food for their families.

He challenged the county government to put measures in place and a swift response team to mitigate disasters on time.

The MP pledged to continue with his humanitarian aid to those affected and challenged leaders to unite and support the victims.

“My support to the less fortunate in our society will continue because humanity has no boundaries. Let us work together for the betterment of the people,” he said.

Obuya challenged youths to shun violence and embark on income generating activities to increase their income and transform their lives.

“We want our youths to come up with business ideas which can be funded to make them more self-reliant. We do not want the youths to be used by politicians for selfish interests,” he said.

The youthful MCA who met more than 200 youths from Ahero after the fundraising, promised to empower women and youth with business ideas.

“My agenda is to empower women and youths with brilliant ideas for income and sustainability. We must teach them how to catch fish instead of giving them fish,” Obuya said.

He urged leaders to focus on fulfilling their pledges to the electorates for their socio-economic growth.

Dr Oron, who donated Sh200,000, called for unity among the leaders and commitment on initiating projects which can improve the living standards of the people.

“As leaders, we should serve the people who have bestowed leadership on us. This should be the agenda of every leader,” he said.

Both Aduma and Ooko gave Sh100,000 each during the fundraiser while Kisumu senate aspirant Sammy Odoro donated Sh100,000.