Traders hope for better working conditions as Isiolo market nears completion

The three-storey market building in Isiolo is 80 per cent complete, the  technical working group and Isiolo market committee has said.

Isiolo Municipality manager Osman Halakhe said the market will serve 1,200 traders.

The market is expected to serve traders from Meru, Nanyuki, Samburu, Isiolo and Marsabit.

Halakhe spoke when he visited the site to check on the construction progress.

Market committee chairman James Gitonga said once it is complete, the county government will also benefit by getting revenue through the collection of fees from the traders.

"Markets play a significant role in economic growth by providing a platform for individuals, businesses and governments to invest, borrow and raise capital," he said.

"This leads to increased efficiency, new businesses and employment. We are grateful to the county in its efforts of ensuring the market will be completed soon. We are truly happy." 

Isiolo market committee secretary Gerald Ntari expressed optimism the county government would adhere to the MoU they signed regarding the allocation of stall.

"We are looking forward to this market being a regional hub once it starts operating. It will cater to wholesale and retail businesses, with an open-air market on the top floor," Halakhe said.

"We are hastening the completion process to ensure most traders have enough space to conduct their business. The contractor is working on plumbing, electrical installations and fixing doors and windows." 

He said the county government plans to drill a borehole for reliable water supply in the market.

"We are closely working with the Isiolo market committee members and the contractor to monitor the construction process. When the time to hand over the stalls to the traders comes, we want to ensure complete transparency," Halakhe said.

"We request that the county government gives priority to those whose stalls were destroyed by fire," Ntari said.

"This market will play a critical role in uplifting the status of Isiolo county. It will be easier for the county government to collect revenue from a centralised location and traders currently operating on road reserves will have space in the market."

He warned against misinformation regarding the allocation of stalls, cautioning individuals against falling prey to those peddling lies about the list of beneficiaries.

"The committee has records of all the businesspeople who lost their livelihoods to fire and we will ensure they are given priority," Ntari said.