Gatunga's two markets: One foot in the future, one on the roadside

Gatunga market in Tharaka Nithi County. [DPCS]

Just a stone’s throw away from Tharaka Nithi University, a new beacon of hope is rising from the ground up. One that places Persons with Disabilities at the centre.

For Jane Kaguna, a passionate trader and representative of people living with disabilities at the Market, the construction of the new Gatunga Economic Stimulus Program (ESP) Market is not merely about new stalls or fresh paint.

It is the long-awaited realisation of a promise: to create an inclusive trading space where traders with disabilities are not just accommodated, but empowered to succeed.

"Tutatembea vizuri," Kaguna says, her face lighting up with emotion.

“Even those who cannot walk will now move freely with their wheelchairs. In the old market, it was almost impossible to access. We would sink into the mud whenever it rained. But now, ramps and paved paths will allow us to trade with dignity."

For Kaguna and many others living with disabilities, accessibility barriers have long been a daily battle.

The old open-air market, exposed to the harsh reality of discrimination, offered little or no support, no pavements, no ramps, and no infrastructure designed to accommodate those who required additional assistance.

"I trade in cereals, maize, and beans," Kaguna says, "For years, we toiled under the hot sun and on muddy grounds. Every day was a struggle. But today, we are moving from the rain into a modern market. We are happy the Kenya Kwanza government has fulfilled its promise to us."

The business community expressed enthusiasm, saying that the new Gatunga ESP Market stands as a powerful symbol of dignity and progress for traders. For mothers, it means gaining the freedom to focus on their businesses without the constant worry of childcare.

"There is even a crèche," says Kaguna. "I often have to bring my child to work. In the new market, there is a safe space where I can leave my child while I focus on my business."

Designed with accessibility, innovation, and trader empowerment in mind, the market offers far more than upgraded stalls. It features digital vendor spaces, ample parking, a garbage receptacle, a cold room for perishable goods, a dry store, a social hall, an ICT cyber hub, sanitary facilities, and food courts, all purposefully planned to elevate the livelihoods of everyday traders.

Cold storage facilities mean traders like Kaguna can now preserve their goods and avoid post-harvest losses from the harsh sun.

Eunice Gathome, Chairperson of Gatunga market, at her makeshift stall. [DPCS]

Gatunga market chairperson Eunice Gathome described the new market as a "prestigious opportunity" for all traders.

"For a long time, we had to cover ourselves with waterproof nylon plastic papers to protect against the heat and rain," she said, reflecting on the transformation. "It did not even help much. But now, with a proper roof, lighting, and even a hotel inside, things will change."

She laughed as she recalled how traders eagerly listened to the sounds of the fundis hammering and drilling.

"We know work is moving fast whenever we hear the hammers.  This market will allow us to trade until 8 PM because of the lighting. Before, we had to close early because of darkness and insecurity," she said.

During an inspection tour of the market, Tharaka North Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Michael Odula confirmed that the market will accommodate at least 200 traders once complete. Odula noted that construction began in August last year.

"For too long, traders here have braved harsh weather in an open-air setup," he said, "This modern market is a game-changer. It will stimulate trade not only for Gatunga but also for traders from Meru, Mwingi, and Gathuana."

The DCC also said that the positive ripple effect of the construction project: over 200 youth found employment building the market, and women selling food to the workers also benefited.

“Local artisans in the jua kali sector, including welders and fabricators, got a significant boost too. We have a university with over 8,000 students, so the circulation of money is going to be higher, and we expect other businesses to grow,” he added.

The Gatunga ESP Market, valued at Sh64.3m, with ramps, PWD washrooms, ICT integration, modern stalls, and a child-friendly environment, the market is not just a structure; it is a symbol of dignity, opportunity, and progress.

For Kaguna and many others living with disabilities, accessibility barriers have long been a daily battle. The old open-air market, exposed to the harsh reality of discrimination, offered little or no support, no pavements, no ramps, and no infrastructure designed to accommodate those who required additional assistance.