A Burnt Out Town Gets a Face Lift and a Symbol of Unity

In March 2008, Burnt Forest county council had three separate markets in operation. The town was emerging from the ashes of the post election violence and most of the shops were in ruins following arson attacks in January. The common market had not been spared either.

The three markets were distinctly organized on tribal lines so that one market was for the kikuyu, and the other two for the Kalenjin. This was meant to send a stern message to the other; that they were now a separate group and therefore, not expected to trade as partners like before. Both the communities used a ‘’ferry’’ to access their respective markets. (A ferry was a vehicle used to transport members of each tribe across the market boundaries of another community for fear of attacks).

One year later, one big common market stands in the center of the town with complete stalls and an attraction to everyone who visits the county.

The market is doing a lot of miracles…it's not just an ordinary market, it is a monument that tells us that something was wrong, but now we have corrected it. Mr. Langat, Civic Leader, Burnt Forest Council.

According to the civic leaders, the market has improved the self esteem of the residents in the area especially given the number of visitors that came to witness it’s groundbreaking and commissioning by the US Ambassador.-Mr Michael Rannenbarger. Other travelers who pass by have been encouraged to make stops at the town and the farmers in the neighborhood are glad that they can find a market for their produce.

‘’I never knew I would ever step in the market again…I never knew I would ever meet my Kikuyu neighbors here again…” -Burnt Forest resident

The town council chairman, Mr. Koros says he now has the strength to talk with confidence about peace to his people. The market will be a watch tower to monitor any signs of emerging conflict based on the interactions by different communities.

The construction of the Market was made possible through a series of grants by USAID/OTI to Rural Women Peace Link (RWPL),who conducted initial dialogue and reconciliations meetings and later, in partnership with the Town council of Burnt Forest.