County seeks Ngilu's intervention to complete stalled market

The county leadership is now seeking the intervention of Lands Cabinet Secretary Charity Ngilu in the stalled multi-million shilling Karatina market.

The leaders say they are also putting up new agriculture projects aimed at empowering the residents economically.

In his address to the county assembly, Nyeri Senator Mutahi Kagwe said he and Governor Nderitu Gachagua had a commitment from Ngilu to ensure the completion of the market.

The market, which was among the Economic Stimulus Progamme, was being undertaken by the national government.

It stalled several years ago owing to lack of funds, leaving traders to operate at a nearby makeshift market.

Last month, traders at the market held demonstrations protesting the prolonged completion of the biggest open- air market in East and Central Africa.

"The market has the potential of holding up to 3,000 traders and catering to the needs of Kenyans far and beyond our county borders but is yet to be completed five years down the line," Mr Kagwe noted.

COMMERCIAL HUB

He said the county had joined hands with the national government to ensure that all markets started under the Economic Stimulus Programme is completed as soon as possible.

"We will be investing Sh45 million in the construction of Chaka fresh produce market to complement the Sh600 million given by the national government'," the senator said.

He said once completed, the facility will cater mostly for horticulture farmers and it will be equipped with refrigeration facilities to preserve perishable food.

"The market will also feature a processing facility, recreation facilities and two bus parks making it an important commercial hub for residents and visitors," he said.

Kagwe assured the residents that Governor Gachagua, who has been out of the country for medical attention since December, was expected to return to the county later this month.