Waiguru hands over land for construction of an ultramodern market in Kirinyaga East
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has handed over land for the construction of an ultra-modern market at Mukarara trading center in Kirinyaga East sub-county.
Waiguru said that the two-storey market, with a capacity to host 200 traders at the ground floor, will also host an ICT hubconnected with internet and a social hall for the community.
It will also host a crèche where babies who accompany their mothers to the market are cared for. The market will also accommodate a restaurant.
During the handing over event, Waiguru noted that the project aligns with the county administration’s manifesto of providing a conducive environment for traders and farmers to sell their wares and produce.
The project will be undertaken by the National Government through the State Department of Housing and Urban Development under the Economic Stimulus Program (ESP).
“In no time, this site will not only be a place for people to come and buy and sell goods but a catalyst for economic vitality and a platform for local entrepreneurs to thrive. The market will transform Mukarara town into a vibrant epicenter of commerce”, she said.
Once complete, it will benefit about 1,000 people from within and outside the county who have been congregating here to sell and buy assorted goods under harsh conditions, mainly in makeshift sheds or in the open.
“We are grateful for the National Government’s complementary efforts in ensuring that we have modern markets in as many of our trading centers as possible”, said the governor.
She added that her administration has over the years constructed a total of 17 modern markets, the latest being Togonye in Murinduko ward and Riakiania in Mukure Ward whose construction was completed a month ago.
Others built earlier include Kagio Fresh Produce market, KagioCloths Market, Kutus, Kerugoya, Kagumo, Kiamutugu, Wang’uru, Makutano Market, Makutano Tomato Aggregation Centre, Sagana, Kerugoya Fruits Market Sheds, Kibingoti, Githure, Karumande and Gathoge.
Waiguru said that her administration has also identified suitable sites for construction of additional modern markets in Kagio, Kutus, Wang’uru and Kimbimbi and is seeking for similar collaboration with the National Government.
Waiguru noted that the modern markets are responsive to the contemporary needs of our growing towns and trading centers and they incorporate the requisite amenities such as solid waste disposal bins, parking lots, reliable water and electricity supply and efficient drainage systems.
