Uasin Gishu County Government has finalized the design for the construction of an ultra-modern market in the Eldoret CBD to boost trade in the heart of the upcoming city.
In an interview with the media, CECM for the Ministry of Roads, Transport and Public Works Eng. Joseph Lagat said the iconic market was expected to accommodate more than 6000 traders and to serve about 20000 people including customers and suppliers.
“The design for the ultra-modern market is now complete and construction works are set to begin soon. We are working on improving the road network that serves this area so that we can connect to our main stage which is the main bus terminal around this region,” said Eng. Lagat.
Construction works in the area have been ongoing in the last six months including installation of culverts, retaining wall, drain improvement and gravelling to improve drainage and protect the market from storm water.
Speaking during the inspection of the access roads to the Champions Retail Market and the main bus terminal, the CECM pointed out that upon the completion of the road network, the county administration is keen to open up the place to facilitate the future market and improve supply of goods and services in the areas through enhanced connectivity to Eldoret’s main Bus Terminal and the surrounding areas.
Eng. Lagat affirmed that proper security measures have been put in place to ensure traders carry out their daily business activities in a peaceful and conducive environment.
The area has in the past been faced with insecurity cases posed by street family’s members who had inhabited it and turned to robbing residents of their valuables along the dark streets as they traversed the area around the market crossing to neighbouring estates like Pioneer and Kipkaren.
“Remember this area was previously a preserve of street families and had been a source of insecurity in this town. As you can see now, people are using this road, they are now moving to town from Kipkaren and Pioneer areas. It also serves the Jua Kali garage area,” said Eng. Lagat.
The County Government of Uasin Gishu through the Ministry of Trade, Industrialization, Tourism Cooperatives and Enterprise Development in line with the provisions of Article 201 the Constitution of Kenya 2010, had completed collecting views from the general public across all the six sub counties of Kesses, Ainabkoi, Turbo, Soy, Moiben and Kapseret towards the construction of the iconic market in the CBD.
By Ekuwam Sylvester
