Elgeyo Marakwet County has commissioned a Sh50 million fresh produce market in Iten town. This milestone project aims to boost economic activities in the area and accommodate the burgeoning business community.
The newly constructed market, boasting multiple stories, will not only be a hub for fresh produce but also offer convenient parking space capable of accommodating at least 60 vehicles simultaneously.
Speaking at the ground-breaking ceremony, Elgeyo Marakwet Governor, Wisley Rotich, emphasised the significance of the market in the context of the “Presidential bottom-up economic model.”
“This is part of the presidential bottom-up economic model. Every hustler doing business will be accommodated in this market,” Governor Rotich declared, addressing the gathered residents.
The Iten new market is designed to host up to 600 business operators, providing them a conducive environment to ply their trade.
Additionally, Governor Rotich announced plans by the Ministry of Housing to replicate similar modern markets in Chepkorio, Kapcherop, and Kapyego centres, further stimulating economic growth across the county.
Highlighting the broader vision for Iten, Governor Rotich underscored the town’s potential beyond commerce. “Iten Town, a sports powerhouse, will realise other development projects, including establishing an information technology (ICT) centre,” he stated.
However, Governor Rotich also pointed out challenges hindering development, urging conservative plot owners to embrace change and relinquish possession to facilitate progress.
“This town has stagnated because of some individual plot owners who have decided to make land so dear to their hearts,” Governor Rotich remarked, urging for a generational transition in property management.
Moreover, Governor Rotich directed attention to the need for improvement in the management of Matatu Transport Saccos in Iten, calling for enhanced services to uplift the town’s reputation.
“The only embarrassment that we have in town is the management of Matatu Stage,” he stated, urging for professionalism and competitiveness among transport providers.
County Woman MP Caroline Ng’elechei emphasised the importance of community amenities within the market.
“I hope the modern market will not only have a mothers’ space for breastfeeding but will also have a shower room where market women can enjoy a hot shower after work,” she remarked, emphasising inclusivity and convenience.
Local representatives, including Keiyo North MP Adams Kipsanai and Kapchemutwo MCA Stephen Cheruiyot, echoed the sentiment of community involvement in the project.
MP Kipsanai urged the project contractor to prioritise local employment and sourcing of materials, while MCA Cheruiyot advocated for consolidation of markets and public transport stages for efficiency.
By Rennish Okong’o
