The County Government of Trans Nzoia has outlined plans to ensure the completion of Masinde Muliro and Railway Markets in Kitale Town.
While meeting representatives from the Kenya Chamber of Commerce Trans Nzoia Chapter, Governor George Natembeya stressed the commitment of his government to provide a conducive environment for the business community in a bid to increase productivity.
He assured residents that once construction of the markets is completed, the allocation of the market stalls and space will be based on meritocracy.
Reports in a section of the social media had indicated that some cartels had already been allocated stalls at the two markets and were planning to lease out to traders once the construction process was completed.
“I would like to advise all traders to shun reports doing rounds that allocation of the stalls at the two markets has been done. When the time comes, the process will be done transparently and fairly. We will be issuing the spaces to traders, not landlords,” he assured.
However, the Governor said that 167 traders who were displaced to pave the way for the construction of Masinde Muliro Market may be given priority revealing that construction works at both markets are 80 per cent done.
Meanwhile, Natembeya revealed the government has put in place plans to ensure that all loopholes in revenue collection are sealed warning that many development programs may fail as a result of annual deficits in collection.
“Our County can raise Sh 800 M but it’s unfortunate that we only raise Shs.500 M putting us in a tricky situation,” he said.
The Chairperson of the Chapter Titus Kilongi emphasized the willingness of the business community to work with the government by paying revenue on time.
By Emmanuel Katasi
