A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
At Sh244 million, Nairobi county on Wednesday held the groundbreaking of its mega markets plan which aims to construct 20 new markets before 2027.
Governor Johnson Sakaja presided over the groundbreaking ceremony of the Mutuini market which is the first one in his manifesto
“The market will serve the people of Mutuini and the residents around Dagoretti and it will put an end to the residents’ grievances, which have been going on for the past four years under the previous regime,” he said.
Trade, Markets and Cooperatives chief officer Godfrey Akumali said the market project is fully funded by the county government.
However, others will be constructed in collaboration with the national government.
“The market will host 500 traders and will be both a wholesale and retail market,” Akumali revealed.
With land being scarce in the capital the chief officer revealed that land for the construction of the multi-million market was initially grabbed but recovered by the county.
Recently, City Hall recovered 2.4 acres of prime land of which Mutuini ward was affected.
The chief officer noted that the market will include amenities and features.
He explained that the market is located in Dagoretti South, many people know it by the name Dagoretti because of the abattoir.
“The reason they know it by the name is because of the abattoir thus one of the key features we have, and identifying it as a key trading activity around the area will be a butchery,” Akumali noted.
The chief officer stated that the butchery will boost meat business which is a common trade that dominates in the area.
The abattoir cluster in Dagoretti is located on the outskirts of Nairobi provides meat to the city and is among the biggest in East and Central Africa.
There are close to 6,000 people employed in the facility and more than 400 cattle and 100 sheep and goats are slaughtered daily.
Going further, chief officer Akumali said Mutuini market will have cold storage which will serve both the butchery and perishable items like tomatoes.
The Sh244 million project is expected to be completed within the next six months.
Mutuini market is one of five modern markets, including Karen, Juja in Mihang'o, Kahawa West, and Riruta, planned for construction current Financial Year of 2023- 2024.
Dagoretti South MP John Kiarie commended Sakaja for fulfilling part of his manifesto on markets.
“You assured us during the campaigns that you would give the trading list to your deputy and you instructed him to ensure that the first market under you is this one in Mutuini," he said.