The government has allocated over Sh150 million for the construction of modern markets in Narok County.
The Narok County Governor, Patrick Ole Ntutu, speaking during a media briefing on development matters and the upcoming visit by president Dr. William Ruto, said Kilgoris market in Trans Mara sub-county and Suswa market in Narok East sub-county have been allocated Sh50 million each, while Ololulunga market in Narok South sub-county gets Sh51 million.
The new development is expected to transform the local business environment in the area and boost the livelihoods of the respective traders, especially women who have for long operated in makeshift stalls and open-air spaces.
The allocation will go towards building modern markets that provide safe, clean and accessible trading spaces.
This move is seen as a major step toward empowering local traders and improving the county’s overall economic landscape.
“These markets will be a game changer for the people of Narok, especially our mothers and small-scale traders, who have previously persevered through tough weather conditions over the years,” he said.
“With these modern facilities, we are not only giving the traders safe and decent places to do business but also restoring their dignity and boosting their incomes,” added Ntutu.
The governor further assured the traders that the allocation of market spaces will be done transparently, ensuring that the most deserving cases are prioritised.
“We are committed to fairness in the allocation process. Every trader, especially those who have been here for years, will have a place in the new markets,” Ntutu assured.
The governor also announced that the Head of State will be making a three-day official visit to Narok County at the end of this month, where he will commission several development projects, including the Kilgoris market and a beadwork initiative in Sekenani, aimed at empowering women artisans.
The market projects, once completed, would create a ripple effect across the local economy, thus stimulating growth in the transport, agricultural and retail sectors.
Meanwhile, for the Mama mboga and other small business owners, this would definitely translate into more customers, better working conditions and long-term economic security.
By Lamech Willy
