How political wars have blocked traders from new Sh400m Githurai 45 market

The Sh400 million worth of Githurai market which President Ruto opened. [George Njunge, Standard]

During his tour of the Mt Kenya region in August 2023, President William Ruto opened the Sh400 million Githurai 45 Market in Kiambu County, more than a year after his predecessor, Uhuru Kenyatta, completed the project.

The facility, with a capacity of about 1,200 traders, was opened following traders’ protests. Political meddling and attempts to tamper with the beneficiaries’ list, which had raised security concerns, were cited as reasons for the delay.

During the launch ceremony, Ruto asked Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi to settle traders who had operated on roadsides for four years.