Small-scale traders in Kirinyaga Central who have been selling their goods along the streets for lack of stalls and spaces within the markets have finally gotten a relief.
This is after the national government completed the construction of a modern market in Ngaru area within Kirinyaga Central Sub County
The Sh47 million facility is targeted to accommodate over 300 traders who will each be allocated a stall according to the Infrastructure Principal Secretary Paul Maringa.
Maringa said once in operation, the market will be handed to the county government for management
Speaking at Ngaru after attending a church service yesterday, Maringa said the target of the government is to improve the livelihoods of the people by providing a conducive environment for their trade.
“This market will help in opening up rural areas within the county and set the standards for infrastructural projects within other towns,” he said.
“We want all our towns to have at least one modern facility which farmers can utilize to sell their farm produce as you are well aware that Kirinyaga is an agricultural county,” the PS said.
Maringa said the national government has also promised to construct seven more markets from which about four will be based close to the Kenol-Sagana –Marua dual carriageway.
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru speaking on development projects in Kirinyaga noted that her government was in the process of upgrading and constructing a modern maternity ward in Ngaru dispensary.
Commenting over Mashujaa Day, which has been scheduled to take place in Kirinyaga, Waiguru expressed excitement over the national government decision in settling for Kirinyaga County.
She said that the event will leave an economic and infrastructural impression in the entire county and urged all local leaders to set aside their political differences and unite to help in putting together a successful event.
The Mashujaa fete will be held at Wang’uru Stadium whose construction is due for completion in August 2021. President Uhuru Kenyatta will lead the nation in celebrating the event.
She said her county technical committee would team up with the national government team to embark on the event’s preparations
We are very grateful to our president who gave us Sh300 million stadium project and which is now almost complete and ready for the national event,” Waiguru said.
The stadium, the governor said will also go a long way in promoting the local talent in that it will provide a space for athletics and other sporting activities in the County.
By Irungu Mwangi
