The national government has started to build eight modern markets in trading centres across Narok county at a cost of Sh1.3 billion.
The project by the State Department of Housing and Urban Development through the Economic Stimulus Programme, seeks to uplift livelihoods of traders in the grassroots.
Narok Governor Patrick Ntutu commissioned the projects at Ololulunga and Ntulele trading centres.
He said the programme is among mega projects the government seeks to use uplift livelihoods.
Ntutu directed the contractors to hire local residents.
“The vision of the government is to create job opportunities for the many jobless youths. The building of these markets will create job opportunities for hundreds of people,” he said.
The governor was accompanied by National Assembly Housing Committee chairman Johannah Ngeno, Narok South MP Kitilai Ntutu and Narok East MP Ken Aramat.
Ntutu said modern markets, which will run for six days a week, will save women from the harsh weather conditions.
He said he will put a concrete fence around the markets to enhance security for the traders and their goods.
To improve sanitation, Narok government has set aside Sh2 million to build a dumping site at Ololulunga trading centre.
Ntutu urged markets committee to ensure that genuine traders from Narok benefit from the markets.
Ngeno said the markets will be completed within four months and will be connected to the internet to help young people do business digitally as well.
“The presence of the markets will attract financial institutions like banks, M-Pesa shops and insurance firms that will establish their businesses in the towns. This will boost the livelihoods of the people,” he said.
He said Maasai Mara University will be given about 2,000 units, under the institutional housing, to accommodate the high population of students.
Urban and Metropolitan Development Secretary Benjamin Njenga urged the contractors to do a quality job.
“We can confirm that the materials and casual workers will be from this area. The market we are building is a free market and no one will be charged to do business here,” he said.
The other markets will be built at Emurua Dikirr, Olchoro, Ewaso Ngiro, Mambo leo, Suswa and Narok town.
