Traders in Kitale town have something to smile about after the Sh840 million Masinde Muliro ulltra modern market was opened.
The market is expected to bolster trade and support small-scale enterprises in the region.
Governor Patrick Khaemba officially opened the market in a colorful event attended by hundreds of traders, residents and leaders from the county and National government .
"There is no trading center in Kenya that can rival this ultra modern facility that my government has managed to put up. The naysayers thought that I could not manage but thank God we have delivered on our pledge," Khaemba said.
Khaemba said the five-storey building will be instrumental in the proper packaging of grocery and horticulture produce for both local and national consumption.
The market project is a joint venture by the county government of Trans Nzoia in collaboration with the World Bank.
The outgoing county boss revealed that the new facility was built to international standards as it boasts of 3,025 stalls with open air spaces.
Khaemba said the trading complex is among the best few that built by the world Bank in Lira, Mbale and Kampala in Uganda.
He said a similar trading complex was put up in Tanzania by the late President John Magufuli.
Khaemba challenged the next administration that will be taking over from him next week to commit itself to putting up more markets that will help improve lives of residents.
"Our agenda was to open the market and help traders carry out their economic activities in a conducive environment. We got stuck for two years due to legal challenges,"he said.
The governor further pointed out that his administration had managed to complete the Trans Nzoia County Teaching and Referral Hospital and the Modern Bus Park which have all been handed over for use.
The Masinde Muliro market was built in honour of the late Cherangany MP Masinde Muliro who played a pivotal role in fighting for Kenya’s first and second liberation.
Treasury CAS Eric Wafukho who was the chief guest lauded the county government for the its success.
He said the projects inaugurated by the outgoing governor will help to spur economic growth and boost trading activities between Trans Nzoia and other regions beyond the Rift Valley.
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