Kajiado Governor Joseph ole Lenku has commissioned the new Kitengela Market that was fully funded by his County government at a cost of Sh150 million.
While addressing the market traders in Kitengela, Governor Lenku said that the market would accommodate 2,000 traders.
He remarked that Kitengela town has over 3,500 traders who lack better space to trade in, occupying the roadsides and causing huge traffic jams but now that was in the past.
The governor disclosed that on Tuesday next week, the Trade Department would carry out the validation process followed by balloting.
“I call upon all traders to work closely with our county officers to ensure a smooth, inclusive, and transparent transition into this exciting new space,” he said.
The governor said they have also introduced some livelihood anchors like the fish market and a milk processing space in the new market to cater to everyone.
Since the new market is still not enough for all the traders, the governor remarked that construction plans for a second market in Oloosirkon-Sholinke ward were underway and directed the Trade Department to start registering traders who would not get stalls in the complete market to occupy the second one.
At the same time, the governor lauded the Kitengela Municipality team for ensuring the town is clean and added that his administration would continue allocating more resources and functions to the municipality.
To address the perennial water shortages in the town, the governor said they have allocated Sh30 million from the county’s supplementary budget this financial year.
In addition, the governor revealed that following a meeting they had with President William Ruto, he promised Sh500 million to help with the water infrastructure.
According to the County Executive Committee Member for Trade, Investments and Enterprise Development, Leah Marias, the over 800 traders selling vegetables would be the first to be relocated to the new market on Tuesday next week after a validation exercise.
She reiterated that the process would be transparent and fair and all the traders who were moved to the makeshift market to pave the way for the construction of the new one would be given the first priority.
“We will carry out a validation of traders, as there are those who registered twice. Only those in the list will be allocated the stalls,” she said.
On his part, the area Member of County Assembly Paul Matuyia thanked the traders for maintaining peace for the six years they had to sell at a makeshift market adjacent to the Kitengela bus terminus.
Kajiado Market traders Chairperson, Racheal Supeet, appreciated the county for constructing them a modern market, saying that it will greatly boost their sales as it is clean, easier to access, and organised.
“The previous market was muddy during rainy seasons and dusty during the dry seasons. Most customers preferred buying from shops due to the poor condition of the market but we are glad that we now have a conducive environment to work in and our businesses will thrive,” she said.
By Diana Meneto
