The government will construct a Sh6 billion market in Eldoret starting next month, according to Lands and Urban Development Cabinet Secretary Zachariah Mwangi.
The CS, who was accompanied by Housing Principal Secretary Charles Hinga and Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii on his tour of the county on Monday, said the government is committed to implementing the project.
"The market will give traders a conducive environment to do business. Plans are also underway to upgrade Eldoret town into a city," Mr Mwangi said.
The CS said they plan to construct affordable housing units and expand railway connections ahead of Eldoret's elevation to city status.
A committee consisting of county and national government officials will be formed to fast-track the market project.
Grand launch
"I want to assure the public that we will move with speed. We will, next week, advertise this project and other markets that need to be constructed or upgraded and by early next month, President William Ruto will be coming to launch the project," Mwangi said.
He added: "We are here to ensure that Eldoret is elevated to a city. The issue of land ownership has been discussed. I have instructed the Eldoret Lands Registry to ensure every legal landowner is given a title deed in the shortest time possible."
The minister said the government is working towards realizing the agenda of decent, adequate and affordable housing as well as creating employment opportunities for the youth.
"We've realised we can get 1,000 acres of land within this area for investment. We can attract investors who will buy land and begin to work those housing programmes," said the CS.
Bii said the new market in Eldoret will occupy 3.25 acres on the land that was formerly the Champions market.
The Champions market was closed and the plan to construct a new one mooted following fights among traders over limited space.
"We felt the need for a lasting solution as there were over 4,000 traders against the 500 stalls," the Uasin Gishu governor said.
In November, Bii closed the market indefinitely following confrontations between county enforcement askaris and hawkers. The county blamed the frequent conflicts on the competition for limited space and the increasing number of traders.
Bii said the new market will have two levels of underground parking and five storeys that will host different businesses. "We have had an issue with the old market due to frequent conflicts. The new market will accommodate all traders," the governor said.
