(Kagio) – Traders in Kagio town, Kirinyaga County, have expressed their support for the planned construction of a modern two-storey market aimed at easing congestion in the current facility. The new market, which will be built through a partnership between the County Government and the National Government under the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP), is seen as a long-awaited solution for traders who have outgrown the existing facility.
During a public participation forum, traders noted that the expansion was long overdue. Mary Nyawira, a potato vendor, emphasized that the current market space has become insufficient as the number of traders has increased significantly. As a result, some traders have been forced to display their goods outside, creating additional challenges. Nyawira praised the efforts of Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru and the County Government for taking steps to improve the business environment in the area.
“Expansion is long overdue,” Nyawira said. “The old market has served us well, but it can no longer accommodate all of us. We commend our Governor for working towards providing a better environment for business.”
Other traders highlighted the need for additional features in the new market. Among the most important requests were designated parking spaces, more room for movement and display of goods, reliable electricity for refrigeration, clean facilities, and improved security, including a perimeter wall. Fresh produce vendor Hannah Nyambura expressed optimism that the new market would alleviate congestion and bring in more customers.
“We need more space and a clean environment. The old market is overcrowded, and the amenities are no longer sufficient,” Nyambura said. “For those of us selling perishable goods, reliable electricity supply is crucial for refrigeration.”
Peter Wangoci, another trader, shared his relief that their plea for expansion had finally been heard. Wangoci emphasized the challenges customers and traders face due to the lack of parking space, which discourages people from visiting the market. He hopes that the new market will address this issue and help attract more buyers and sellers from other areas.
“The lack of parking space is a big challenge for both customers and suppliers,” Wangoci said. “We need designated parking spaces to make it easier for everyone to do business here.”
Kirinyaga County’s Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Trade and Industrialization, Calbert Njeru, highlighted that the new market would accommodate an additional 1,000 traders. He explained that the public participation forum was crucial in ensuring the traders’ needs and suggestions are taken into account in the market’s design.
“This market will serve the growing number of traders, and we are gathering input from the traders to make sure the new design meets their needs,” Njeru said.
The market’s design will include a social hall, organized market stalls, improved sanitation facilities, and a drainage system. Additionally, there will be ample parking to ease congestion and improve accessibility. Governor Waiguru, who visited the site, noted that the new market is part of a broader initiative to construct modern markets across Kirinyaga. She mentioned that the construction of Mukarara, Kimbimbi, and Kibingoti markets had already begun.
Governor Waiguru emphasized that these markets are designed to meet the needs of growing towns and business centers. The new facilities will include essential amenities such as reliable water and electricity, waste disposal, and efficient drainage systems, making them responsive to the demands of modern trade.
Kiine Member of County Assembly (MCA) Geoffrey Murimi reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that the market expansion would be inclusive and address the traders’ concerns. He encouraged traders to voice their opinions to ensure the new market is a lasting solution to their challenges.
“We are here today to listen to you,” Murimi said. “This market is for you, and we want to ensure that its development meets your needs and provides a long-term solution to the challenges you face.”