Nyahururu traders get roof over their heads as shoppers flock key market

Nyahururu market in Laikipia County. The wholesale market has now been roofed and traders allocated stalls to ease trade in the busy establishment. (PHOTO: JECKONIA OTIENO/ STANDARD)

Nyahururu Wholesale Market has now been roofed and traders allocated stalls to ease trade in the busy establishment.

The county administration now wants to build more stalls to accommodate more traders, Governor Joshua Irungu said.

“After the Sh7 million project was completed the market expanded and can now accommodate  up to 200 traders,” said Chief Officer for Trade Ekwam Nabos.

The roofing project began in April last year, mainly to protect traders and buyers from the rain or the heat from direct sunlight, said George Ndirangu, the chairperson of the traders association.

“Previously there was nowhere to take shelter during the rainy season,” said Ndirangu.

And now the county wants to trap rain water using the tanks on its roof, said Governor Irungu. A toilet block will also be built at the busy market, said Irungu.

Ultimately the county wants to benefit from trade with other counties, especially Nakuru, Nyandarua and Nyeri.

The county administration has also refurbished the   Sipiri livestock market in Laikipia West and constructed a new gate and toilets.

The livestock market in Kimanjo in Laikipia North has also been fenced. There is an ongoing refurbishment  of another market in Rumuruti, which has so far cost the county Sh6 million.

Nabos says more markets will be refurbished to promote trade.