How new markets are turning around county fortunes

Muthurwa Market. [Courtesy]

There is something remarkable happening across the country and naysayers should not call it controversial. For years, traders have operated in challenging conditions-makeshift stalls, inadequate sanitation, and limited access to modern amenities.

However, a transformative shift is underway, promising to redefine the trading landscape for thousands of entrepreneurs. Modern markets are dotting towns and cities across the 47 counties. At the forefront of this transformation is the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP), a collaborative initiative between national and county governments.

The construction phase alone has created jobs for previously unemployed youth, women, and men. Local businesses-such as hardware suppliers, quarry operators, food vendors, and mama mbogas-have experienced growth due to increased demand for their services. This ripple effect has energised the local economy and improved livelihoods.

Cold storage facilities will reduce post-harvest losses, especially for perishable goods. The inclusion of ICT hubs is a game-changer, especially for youth, enabling access to online platforms and broadening market reach. Nursing areas for mothers, food courts, and social halls show these markets are being developed with inclusivity and sustainability in mind.

These markets are strategically located along main roads, which has improved safety and accessibility. Upon completion, traders will operate in cleaner, more organised environments, shifting from roadsides to well-planned business premises that resemble modern mini-malls. This thoughtful design ensures traders and customers alike enjoy a better experience.

Bahati Constituency will benefit from three state-of-the-art markets: Kabatini, Dundori and Bahati Centre. These markets are not just structures; they are hubs designed to empower traders and uplift the community.

We have secured funding for these three major markets already transforming lives. The Bahati Modern Market is under construction at a cost of Sh250 million.

Kabatini Market, costing Sh55 million, is at an advanced stage, with roofing in progress. In Dundori, the market-inspected recently by the Deputy President-is nearing completion at a cost of Sh53 million and is expected to be ready by June.

These markets are also powerful tools of economic empowerment. Kabatini Modern Market, for instance, is a two-storey facility equipped with over 200 stalls, cold storage units, an ICT hub, daycare services, and modern washrooms, including provisions for persons with disabilities.

I have emphasised that such infrastructure will provide traders with a dignified environment to conduct their businesses, moving away from the unhygienic and congested conditions they previously endured.

The market's revitalisation serves as a model for inclusive economic development. It underscores the importance of investing in grassroots infrastructure to stimulate local economies. Transparency in the allocation of stalls and resources will be key to building trust and maximising the benefits.

These modern markets are a testament to the government's commitment to empowering communities and fostering inclusive growth. As the markets near completion, they carry the promise of a brighter, more prosperous, and resilient future for traders and farmers.

-The writer is MP for Bahati, Nakuru