Today the Kisumu women street food vendors are the beneficiaries of the shade umbrellas and two aprons each that will cushion them from the harsh vagaries of weather and boost their hygiene standards while doing business.
Coupled with the trainings they underwent on matters food safety and quality management held in the pilot areas; Kondele, Nyalenda and Nyamasaria, they are now well equipped with skills that will increase their capacities to improve their businesses to deliver healthy safe food to the residents of Kisumu.
The green Cities Initiative is funded by FAO, implemented by the Practical Action in collaboration with the County Government of Kisumu.
It is part of the FAO flagship initiative under the Urban Food Agenda that enhances sustainable development, food security and nutrition in urban and peri-urban areas, and nearby rural spaces, it consists of a vast range of policies, programmes and initiatives developed and implemented in partnership with different stakeholders: civil society, academia, UN & International agencies, City Networks and relevant public and private bodies and entities
According to FAO, the Urban Food Agenda forms an integral part of the Organization’s vision of resilient, integrated, sustainable and inclusive food systems, which ensure that all people in all places are free from hunger and all forms of malnutrition.
Speaking while handing over the items to the vendors, the FAO Liaison Officer, Mr. Erick Ogadho commended Practical Action for supporting the initiative to its realization.
To the street vendors, he reminded them that most residents of Kisumu buy food from the streets; therefore, they must keep their food supply clean and safe. He implored on them to maintain hand washing and their environment clean to attract more customers, sentiments shared by Madam Monica Ajigo an officer from the County Department of Agriculture.
On his part, James Ogutu of Practical Action urged the vendors to continue practicing what they had learnt and share with others the best practices to ensure their food supply is safe for consumption and their business environment is clean.
He urged them to keep asking questions and sharing gaps that emerge since their views will inform the preparation of the County CIDP, the ADP and finally the budget for county’s support. He also pledged to continue collaborating with them.
The street vendors could not hide their joy as they received the items; one who spoke on behalf of the group thanked the partners and the County Government for supporting them in doing their businesses in a better way and in a clean environment.
“We used to suffer a lot from the harsh sun and the rains, our supplies were affected and we suffered losses, with these items and the teachings, we look forward for better income and more customers, “she said.
