The State Department for Housing and Urban Development has embarked on the construction of a Sh50 million modern market in Tinderet Sub-County.
The project located in the Maraba area will accommodate 200 traders while linking them to other markets in the neighbouring Kisumu, Uasin Gishu, and Kericho counties.
According to the project engineer Allan Kimtai, the market being constructed through the Economic Stimulus Program (ESP) comes with modern amenities, among them cold storage facilities, ICT hubs, market committee offices, mothers lactating rooms, water, ablution blocks, garbage receptacles, and electricity to ensure that traders operate in a conducive environment.
Speaking during a site visit with the contractor alongside a team of national and county government officials, Kimtai said the contractor has been given six months to complete the project.
Tinderet Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Esther Oyugi said the project will open up the area for development and urged the contractor to stick to the set timelines.
The DCC asked the contractor to engage the locals in the construction to ensure that they also benefit and own the project.
She asked those who will be absorbed by the contractor to remain committed and work to ensure that the project is completed as scheduled.
“We want you to ensure that our youths who will get an opportunity to work on this project are dedicated so that the work is completed on time,” she said.
She asked traders currently using makeshift stalls at the site to remove them before the weekends to allow the contractor to proceed with the works.
The national government, she said, was committed to ensuring that traders sell their wares in a clean environment, adding that her office will give support to the contractor to ensure that the project is completed.
Market Chairman Simeon Chepkwony, lauded the government for the initiative, saying the project will benefit the traders immensely.
The market, he said, will serve the entire Nandi County, with traders in Kericho and Uasin Gishu counties also set to benefit.
By Kosuri Valarie
