The national government has embarked on the construction of the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) for modern markets at three trading centres in Kericho County.
The construction of the markets kicked off in earnest at Kapkalek Market in Belgut Constituency, Kapkatet Market in Bureti Constituency, and Chepseon Market in Kipkelion East Constituency.
Speaking during a site visit at the busy trading centers, Kericho County Commissioner Mr. Gilbert Kitiyo urged contractors to employ youth equipped with a variety of skills from within the County to carry out various jobs at the construction site.
The County Commissioner said after the completion of the project, traders would benefit from an ultra-modern market that would be safe and conducive to their day-to-day market activities.
“The national government is constructing these modern markets to also give dignity to our traders by transacting businesses in a decent place, and so we urge them to support these government projects which will benefit them,” added Kitiyo.
The Lead architect, Sheila Chepngeno, said the ESP Markets would comprise the market structure with associated offices, an Information Communication and Technology (ICT) room, a financial services room, a mothers’ room, a cold room, and an eatery; a Public Toilet block; paving and storm water drainage; and associated electrical and mechanical installations.
She further explained that the two-storey-building markets will also have service installations comprising sanitary, plumbing, and drainage installations, external water reticulation, rainwater goods, and fire suppression installations. Electrical installations comprise power, lighting, and structured cabling installations; high mast installations; sub-mains intake; ducting; and distribution.
During the site visits to the three markets, the County Commissioner was accompanied by a team from the State Department of Housing and area leaders, including Cheptororiet MCA Haron Rotich and Kapkatet Ward MCA Amos Birir.
“I urge residents to make good use of these modern facilities to engage in business and better their lives. The government is ensuring that all traders work in a serene environment by constructing these facilities,” said Birir (MCA Kapaktet Ward).
Speaking to KNA, Brenda Langat, a mitumba clothes trader at Kapkatet Market, lauded the government’s move to construct a modern facility to enable them to engage in business in a conducive environment, but urged the government to also consider recarpeting roads heading to the new market so that buyers can easily access the market.
“When it rains, the muddy roads are quite inaccessible to the new market location, and so if the government considers tarmacking the access roads, it will be convenient for everyone, including the customers, suppliers, and traders,” said Ms. Langat.
By Dominic Cheres and Kibe Mburu
