Biggest open-air market coming to Kasarani

By Rawlings Otieno

The Government will commission the construction of an open-air market at a cost of Sh1.2 billion in Nairobi.

The open-air market will be used by business people from across the continent and will be expected to decongest the city markets.

Nairobi Metropolis Assistant Minister Elizabeth Ongoro said that the Government had acquired a 100-acre piece of land, hived off from Moi International Sports Complex to construct the market.

"We want to have a state-of-the-art market. The biggest in Africa," the minister said amid applause.

Ongoro was speaking during the commissioning of the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Mathare North Bus route. The event was presided over by Nairobi Metropolitan Minister Robinson Githae.

The reconstruction of the 4.5km road will cost Sh300 million and is expected to link Huruma, Juja Road and Thika Highway and open up economic activities in the informal settlement.

Ongoro, who is also the Kasarani MP, asked the residents to cooperate with the contractor so that the road is completed on time.

She said that additional five floodlights would be added in each ward in Nairobi metropolis.

Businesses at night

This will help business people and commuters to walk and do their businesses freely at night, a move that will increase revenue collection.

Ongoro, at the same time sent a message of condolence to the families of eight people who died in a fire tragedy at a chemical factory in Kariobangi. She questioned the withholding of Economic Stimulus package offered by the Government in informal settlements to support the youth and the vulnerable.

"I know this is a tactic by those concerned with the ESP to wait until 2012 and then squander the money," she said.