Sh4 million market idle as traders shun it over location

Duncan Mwangi at the idling Pesi market in Pesi area within Salama ward. The market has been idling two years after it was completed for use but traders have shun it owing to its location. [Jacinta Mutura/Standard]

Traders have shunned a new market constructed by the county administration at a cost of Sh4 million.

The market was built in 2016 and was supposed to benefit traders of Pesi in Salama ward of Laikipia West sub-county.

It now lies in ruins, and has become the habitat for dangerous reptiles and the occasional town idler.

The market, reportedly built to meet modern standards, is situated right behind the Pesi shopping centre.

The traders argue that it has become impossible to lure customers from the shopping centre since the location is too hidden.

When The Standard visited the market, a wire-mesh perimeter fence stood intact. There was also a new gate and cemented floors where traders can lay their merchandise in wait forclients.

But, despite all these developments, it stands with a hollow emptiness, deserted by the traders it was supposed facilitate.

According to Duncan Mwangi, a trader, Pesi is a fertile area known for its tomatoes and green beans. During the long rains, the yields are abundant and the farmers are quite busy. Yet all these produce ends up rotting in farms since the road network is poor and farmers cannot even access the market on time.

“It is sad that millions were sank into this project when there were more pressing needs to be addressed. The county government should have prioritised roads instead of this market,” said Mr Mwangi.

Simon Mungai, another trader who frequents Pesi town centre, said the county government could use the market for something else instead of watching it lie idle.

“We also do livestock farming here and the government can convert it to a slaughterhouse so that there is value for public money,” said Mr Mungai in an interview.

County Executive for Trade and Tourism Nicholas Biwott said the market was built on that location because that was the land the county administration had set aside for it.

Biwott said the county was in consultation with onion and tomato farmers to see if the market could be rehabilitated and converted to a parking lot.