(West Pokot) – West Pokot County Commissioner Abdullai Khalif has expressed strong support for ongoing housing and Economic Stimulus Project (ESP) markets across Kenya, highlighting their potential to reduce housing shortages and strengthen local economies. Speaking in the Orolwo area of Kacheliba Sub-County during the handover of a new ESP market construction site, Khalif described these initiatives as vital steps toward improving the quality of life and economic well-being for many Kenyans.
The commissioner emphasized the national housing program as part of the country’s development strategy to provide affordable homes for all, particularly benefiting low- and middle-income families who have long been underserved. Khalif outlined some of the progress made locally in West Pokot, where officials have been engaging the public on the Affordable Housing Act and identifying locations for new housing projects. Identified sites include Bendera land in Kapenguria town, a site opposite the Lutheran Church in Kapenguria, and a plot near the Kapenguria AIC Church.
Khalif also stressed the importance of the ESP market project as a transformative effort aimed at strengthening Kenya’s economy by enhancing local market infrastructure. He said these markets are essential for supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and generating more jobs in both rural and urban areas. Khalif noted that improved market facilities in West Pokot will foster local commerce, boost food safety, and offer new job opportunities.
The ESP market project, which aims to establish secure, hygienic, and organized spaces for business, has made significant progress in West Pokot. Currently, the Ortum town market site is 37.15% complete, while the market in Makutano is at 34.52%, and the Sigor market stands at 28.8%. Additionally, the Ororwo area market site has been handed over to a contractor to commence construction.
| Project | Location | Completion Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Ortum Market | Ortum town | 37.15% |
| Makutano Market | Makutano town | 34.52% |
| Sigor Market | Sigor town | 28.8% |
| Ororwo Market Site | Kacheliba Sub-County | Site handed over |
Dan Kasembeli, an architect with the State Department for Housing and Urban Development overseeing North Rift, described the ESP markets as being designed to accommodate around 200 traders. He explained that each market would include several amenities, such as cool rooms, dry storage, a play area for children, a breastfeeding station, kitchens, washrooms, and accessible facilities for people with disabilities. Social halls for meetings and food courts for vendors and shoppers are also part of the design. Each facility will be equipped with waste management systems, including a septic tank and soak pit.
Kasembeli acknowledged that construction on the three markets has experienced delays, but he expressed optimism about accelerating the project to meet its deadlines. He said the total contract value for the markets in Ororwo, Makutano, and Sigor is approximately KSh147 million.
West Pokot’s Chief Officer of Trade, Industrialization, Energy, Investment, and Cooperative Development, Daniel Lopale, expressed gratitude to Commissioner Khalif for facilitating the handover of the Ororwo market construction site. Lopale acknowledged that the market’s construction had been delayed and highlighted the need to complete it quickly to benefit traders in the Ororwo area. He assured the community that the county government is committed to the ESP market project and its potential to enhance local commerce.
In Ororwo, resident John Bosco voiced his appreciation for the ESP market project, saying it is a positive step for the area’s economic development. He encouraged the local community to value the project, viewing it as an opportunity to improve their livelihoods. Bosco also acknowledged the work of Kacheliba MP Martin Lotee in securing national funds for this initiative, praising his dedication to advancing development in the region.
Bosco further appealed to the contractor to consider hiring local youth, both skilled and unskilled, for the construction work to ensure the project benefits the community beyond just market access. This request for local hiring highlights a common hope that the project will create employment opportunities and foster local skills development.