President William Ruto has announced that the government will set aside Sh20 billion to build markets for the Mama Mboga.
Speaking during the devolution conference held at Uasin Gishu County on Wednesday, Ruto said they are intending to build 400 to 500 markets across the country.
“We intend to build 400 markets across Kenya, maybe 500. We are going to spend about Sh20 billion in building the markets,” Ruto said.
“The markets will be handed over to the counties and you are going to run the markets the way you want.”
He acknowledged Mama Mboga for supporting him during the 2022 general elections adding that he cannot abandon them.
“Mama Mboga was front and centre of my campaign, I simply cannot walk away from them. So I have to build these markets,” Ruto said.
“I was seeing in the presentation how women were saying that they were getting burned from the sun. So, I will help you to put up shades, electricity and any other facilities that may be needed.”
The President also called on the delegates to support the initiative in order to uplift Mama Mboga and hustlers.
“I am looking for a partnership with you so that if you want to improve on the designs and funding, I am ready. If you want us to change from here to there, it's okay,” Ruto said.
During his tour in Githurai, Ruto pledged to construct 15 new markets for the residents.
The 15 will be among the 400 markets the President has committed to build in three years.
He directed Lands CS Zacharia Njeru and Housing PS Charles Hinga to advertise the tenders for the project.
The markets advertised were to be built in Kirinyaga, Kiambu, Kericho, Homa Bay, Nakuru, Laikipia and Samburu among other counties.