Traders who have been hawking fruits along the streets in Kerugoya Town have moved to new modern market sheds.
The market sheds that have space for about 30 traders have brought great relief to the vendors who have had to brave harsh weather conditions as they carried on their business.
The fruit market mainly targets people visiting the hospital as patients or those going to see their kin admitted at the facility.
Chairlady of the fruit vendors market Grace Wanjiru says that the traders were now able to conduct their business irrespective of the prevailing weather conditions.
She notes that the new market does not only shield them from rains and sunshine but it also has high standards of cleanliness, a factor that makes it more attractive to customers.
Wanjiru thanked the county government for answering their prayer for a conducive work environment.
She said that the traders now look forward to the opening of the new Level Five Hospital that was expected to have a lot of traffic hence increasing the business activities.
“We are now very comfortable in this new market. We can continue selling even during rains because these are not sheds only, they have ensured drainage is okay,” she said.
“We thanked the county for honouring their pledged and when the new hospital comes to full operation, our business will grow,” Wanjiru added.
Agnes Wanja, another trader at the market stated that earlier, they used to spread their wares under some trees that were opposite the hospital and they lived under constant harassment by the government for selling from non-designated spaces.
Besides, they used to incur losses since their fruits could quickly wither or rot during the hot weather or get muddy or spoiled during the rainy seasons, said Wanja.
“For first time in the town’s history, fruit hawkers now have a decent market that is clean and safe under all weather conditions. We will no longer be harassed by askaris for selling our fruits along the roads,” Wanja noted.
Elsy Gaki, said the markets are large enough for storage and also safe for fruits. They are not forced to carry the remaining back to their home during the close of business day.
“Each of the traders has adequate space which has well-constructed shelves for both storage and display of their fruits,” Gaki said.
The market sheds compliment the town’s beautification programme that has seen the construction of cabro paved car parking, non-motorized transport ways and storm water drainage system all which have given a new face to Kerugoya Town.
In 2021, the county government also completed the construction of Kerugoya modern fresh produce market that accommodates about 1,200 traders. The projects aim at turning the urban centers into economic hubs by improving trading experience through provision of a conducive environment for transacting business.
By Mutai Kipngetich
