Traders at Githurai market, Kiambu County, will soon start enjoying better working conditions upon completion of the multi-million Githurai Modern Market currently under construction.
Kiambu County Governor Dr. James Nyoro, during a tour at the market Thursday said that his government is committed to improving the working conditions of the traders by addressing different challenges they face.
“I learned that traders in the county face challenges of adverse weather conditions like scorching sun and rainfall, which affects their comfort at work. Through these modern markets, such will be addressed as well as the issue of space and organization for better working environment,” said Nyoro.
The Governor also revealed that the County government is looking into the issue of sanitation. “We are also working on a sewer system as well as the rain water drainage system to ensure proper sanitation,” he said.
While on his tour, Nyoro also visited the newly set up Youth Innovation and enterprise centre (ICT Hub) and said that plans to equip and functionalize it are underway.
Traders in Githurai will join other traders with functional modern markets including Gitaru market, which houses 540 traders and Kihara market which houses 365 traders. Githurai Modern market, one of the largest markets, will house over 1,200 traders. Several others are still under construction within the county.
The markets, apart from creating employment to the locals, have also seen local economies revitalization, promotion of business – oriented initiatives, creation of local employment and new business initiatives.
Speaking to KNA on the sidelines, traders at Kangangi market also in Kiambu Town are calling upon the County government to include them in the modernization plans of upgrading the market stating that they face similar challenges as other traders but seem to have been forgotten.
“It is not the first time we are presenting our grievances. We would like the County Government to address our challenges especially as we approach the rainy season,” Margaret Waithira, a trader at the market said.
By Lucy Mwikali