Hundreds of Chaka market traders can now celebrate after Kenya National Highway Authority (KENHA) assured Chaka traders that they will now operate their businesses freely after they demolished the market two weeks ago.
KENHA team led by Director General Engineer Peter Munindia who visited the traders yesterday at Chaka, Nyeri County, assured all the traders, that the structures will never be demolished until the construction of the new market is completed.
He assured the affected traders numbering over 100 that they can now operate freely but asked them to observe the road reserve area.
KENHA also promised to rebuild an ablution block which was destroyed during the demolition exercise and also apologized to the traders saying that they shall only relocate them once new the market is finished.
This comes after Nyeri Governor and Kieni MP condemned the demolition of Chaka and Karatina Markets.
Munindia also said the officers involved have since been transferred and vowed to ensure that locals are also involved in any developments including the upgrading of the Kiganjo – Isiolo road to dual carriageway.
Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga and Kieni MP Kanini Kega who accompanied the Director promised the traders that they will support them until the newly market is complete.
They said the National government has since released Sh. 344 million for completion of the market which is to be completed by end of next year.
They said thousands of local traders who operate along the Kiganjo, Nanyuki highway will start operating in the new market once it is complete.
By Beth Ndirangu
