Modern market to benefit traders

Kisii Governor James Ongwae said his administration will ensure equity in the distribution of the stalls. [Dennish Ochieng, Standard]

Hundreds of traders are set to benefit from the newly-constructed Nyakoe modern market.

The national government has already spent Sh108 million in phase one of the project, with Sh160 million being released for the second phase which will start this month.

Kisii Governor James Ongwae called on the Lake Basin Development Authority, which has been entrusted to implement the project, to work closely with his government to ensure its success.

“We are very grateful to the national government for having allocated Sh268 million to be used in setting up modern structures at the Nyakoe market,” said Ongwae.

Trade comfortably

Speaking when he led a team from the national government and his county administration in touring the market yesterday, Ongwae said the traders will now be able to trade their wares comfortably.

The market, which is situated along the Kisii-Kisumu Road, serves thousands of people who have been forced to work in an uncomfortable environment for a long time.

Ongwae said his administration will ensure equity in the distribution of the stalls, adding that those who have been operating at the market for many years will be given the first priority.

Kitutu Chache South MP Richard Onyonka termed the completion of the market as a major milestone and praised the workmanship of the construction.

“The completion of Nyakoe market is a project that has been very dear to me as I have been promising the residents that it will be done since I was elected 14 years ago,” said Onyonka.

LBDA Chairman Odoyo Owidi said they have received support from the county since they embarked on the project in April 2020. The project was expected to be completed in 32 weeks.

Owidi further said Kisii was one of the 18 counties where the Lake Basin Development Authority was implementing several projects on behalf of the national government.

He said they had already done two shades, 84 work tops and 44 stalls and that they were currently drilling water to be used in the market as they work to protect the nearby wetland.