The Mountain Journal
The construction of major markets in Kandara and Kigumo in Murang’a has been described as a milestone designed to uplift the status of the traders, ending the era of operating along the roadside.
The traders said they expect to occupy the facilities as soon as possible to end the challenges they have been facing over the decades, as they laud the efforts made by the Lands and Housing Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome for considering their plight.
At Kabati market, Emmah Wanjiru, the chairperson at Kabati market, said the completion of the market marks a new life for the traders who, for years, have remained operating under the harsh weather conditions
As the Kabati community, she said, they are grateful to the Lands and Housing Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome for championing the construction of the Sh 50 million market.
Wanjiru said that for a long time, none of the leaders mooted the idea of constructing a shelter for the traders in the busy Kabati market.
Photo/ Emma Wanjiru, the chairperson at Kabati market in Kandara constituency in Murang’a.
“ We plead with the government to speed up the market completion and ensure it expands it to accommodate all the traders, after years of suffering,” said Wanjiru.
She detailed that owing to a lack of a decent market, the majority of the traders were operating from the roadside, thus exposing themselves as well as their customers to danger.
” It is through God’s grace that we have survived without facing any calamity for all those years, but now our cry has been heard through the Cabinet Secretary,” said Wanjiru.
A resident, Samson Ndung’u, said completion of the market will support the growth of the locality as there will be employment opportunities for many.
Ndung’u, a bodaboda rider, said that as the facility is opened, they will be engaged in the transportation of people and goods.
“ A Special thanks to the Lands and Housing CS for the consideration to uplift the status of Kabati market, which had been neglected for long,” said Mr Ndung’u.
At Ng’araria market, Susan Mwaura appreciates the construction of the modern market, saying that for decades, the traders have operated in adverse weather.
She said they operate in a squeezed setup, and the completion of the modern facility will provide them with enough space.
“ The coming of the market is a blessing, as for years, the traders who are majority women have been neglected despite paying levy to the county government,” said Ms Mwaura.
At Kangari modern market, Mary Chiuri welcomed President William Ruto’s visit, saying the market’s completion had been delayed after the contractor failed to comply with the Bill of Quantity (BQ).
“The President should ensure the facility is completed as soon as possible with the contract, installing a standby generator, street lights, a Cold Room, among other issues as outlined in the BQ,” said Ms Chiuri, the chairperson of the market.
Photo/Kangari market in Kigumo constituency in Murang’a.
Stephen Macharia pleaded with the government to facilitate the completion of the Kangari/Kinyona/Njabini road to ease the transportation of farm produce to markets.
Mr Macharia said the road will also increase opportunities in Kangari market, thus creating linkages.
“Kinyona to Njabini has been of major use to the local community; thus, the completion of construction will open a new chapter, increasing movement and transportation of goods,” said Macharia.
The CS said in Murang’a, 25 modern markets are under construction, with the majority nearing completion.
“It is high time that the traders are provided with a decent environment for operating, as President William Ruto promised during the electioneering period,” said Wahome.
