Makutano: Traders in Makutano Market along the Embu-Nairobi Highway have called on the Government to expedite the completion of the modern Economic Stimulus Package (ESP) market to facilitate their relocation.
According to Kenya News Agency, the construction of the market, which is approximately 90 percent complete, was halted in July after the contractor left the site due to vandalism during the Saba Saba anniversary protests. The contractor suffered losses of equipment and raw materials, while the market itself incurred significant damage, including shattered glass windows and broken doors.
The market, designed to accommodate 700 traders, will feature modern stalls, cold storage, improved sanitation, and eateries, aimed at providing a structured environment for traders and their customers. Many traders currently operate in the open air along the busy highway, where they are vulnerable to accidents and weather conditions, and view the market as a long-awaited solution that will enhance trading efficiency and promote economic growth in the area.
Joyce Wanjiku, the Market Chairlady, highlighted that approximately 1,000 traders are exposed to adverse weather conditions, leading to post-harvest losses. She urged the government to enable the contractor to resume and complete the remaining work before the short rains begin, emphasizing that the new market will prevent business disruptions during the rainy season.
Raymond Kinyua, the County Executive Committee Member in charge of Lands, Housing, and Urban Planning, stated that the market would have been completed by now if not for the setbacks. He reassured traders that discussions are ongoing with the National Government to address the issue and ensure the market's completion promptly.
Makutano is one of nine markets being constructed across the county, including the Sh1 billion Ultra-Modern Market in Embu Town, all aimed at fostering economic growth.