Murang'a: Murang'a Governor Irungu Kang'ata has expressed his commitment towards improving major markets across the county in a bid to create a better business environment for traders.
According to Kenya News Agency, Governor Kang'ata, speaking at Gitugi market in Mathioya where he commissioned several upgraded roads, said that the smart city programme continues to upgrade major markets in the county as a way of ensuring business people also benefit from Murang'a county government flagship projects.
The governor stated, 'We have been implementing the smart city programme where we have upgraded at least three major markets in all constituencies making more businesses accessible.' He explained that the smart city initiative was inspired by petitions from traders and residents in major towns who felt sidelined by other county flagship projects primarily targeting farmers.
Kang'ata highlighted that many shops were previously inaccessible, especially during the rainy season, prompting traders to petition the county government for market upgrades to ensure their businesses remain accessible to customers. 'This programme that is upgrading urban infrastructure also creates employment by opening up and increasing accessibility to businesses across major towns and making them accessible throughout the year,' he added.
The programme's scope also extends to providing employment for local youth who are actively involved in road upgrades and cabro installation. Governor Kang'ata mentioned that markets such as Kiriani, Kamune, and Gitugi in Mathioya constituency, along with Kirwara, Gatura, and Kaguku markets in Gatanga constituency, as well as Muranga Town, Mukuyu, and Kahatia in Kiharu constituency, have all benefited from these upgrades.
Hannah Mukami, a resident at Gitugi market, praised the smart city initiative, noting that the improved roads have allowed businesses to remain open even during the rainy season. She remarked, 'The upgraded roads and street lights allow us to conduct business until late and we now do not close our businesses when it rains.' Mukami also pointed out that many market roads lacking streetlights have been upgraded, facilitating nighttime business operations.