Traders at Kagio town in Kirinyaga county have endorsed plans by the county government to build an ultra-modern market to ease congestion.
The two storey building is being constructed in collaboration with the national government under the Economic Stimulus Programme.
The traders said expanding the facility will create a conducive environment for businesses to thrive. Mary Nyawira, a potato trader, said population in the market has grown and can no longer accommodate all of them.
“This expansion is long overdue, the old market served us well but it can no longer accommodate us all. We want to praise Governor Waiguru for ensuring we have a conducive environment for business,” she said.
The traders asked the county government to ensure the new market has adequate parking and display of fresh produce.
They also called for the provision of modern amenities such as toilets, uniterrupted supply of water, a perimeter wall and electricity.
Hannah Nyambura said the new market will end fights for stalls and bring in more customers.
“We need more space and a clean environment. Due to the congestion, the amenities in the market are not adequate. The drainage is also poor,” she said.
Those dealing in perishable goods are suffering losses due to lack of storage. Peter Wangoci said the new market will attract buyers from other parts of the country.
“Many customers and those bringing in fresh produce struggle to get parking spaces, which in turn discourages them from visiting the market. We need designated parking spaces,” he said.
Trade and Industrialisation executive Calbert Njeru said the proposed market is expected to serve an additional 1,000 traders.
He said public participation forums help to get traders’ views on how they want the new market to look like.
The Njeru said the market will also have a social hall.
Governor Anne Waiguru said
11 markets are under construction under the ESP initiative with
construction works for Mukarara,
Kimbimbi and Kibingoti markets
having already started. She said her
administration has over the years
built 17 modern markets.
