Lugari: Lugari Sub County, located in Kakamega County, is poised to benefit from a significant development initiative with the construction of a second modern market at the Pan-paper trading centre in Lugari Ward. The project is estimated to cost Sh50 million and is part of the government’s Economic Stimulus Programme.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Secretary of the State Department of Housing and Urban Planning, Polycarp Onyango, announced during the official launch that the modern storey market will cover one acre and accommodate approximately 200 traders upon completion. Speaking at the event, Onyango handed over the site to Intellect Contractors, emphasizing an expected completion timeline of six months for the market construction.
The market is planned to include 200 stalls on the ground floor, with the potential to expand to 600 stalls on designated market days. Additional facilities will include an Information, Communication and Technology hub for youth internet access, a breastfeeding room for young female traders, a refrigeration centre for perishable goods, and a boardroom for meetings. Onyango also mentioned the inclusion of an ablution block and drilled water source within the market premises.
Future plans revealed by Onyango include the construction of another modern market at Lwandeti market in Lwandeti Ward, a modern hostel for about 1000 students at Chevaywa Technical Institute, and a 300-student dormitory at Kivaywa Secondary School, all within Chevaywa Ward.
Lugari Member of Parliament, Nabii Nabwera, expressed appreciation for President William Ruto’s role in facilitating these developments, which also include the upgrading of the Turbo-Sikhendu road to bitumen standards. Nabwera highlighted the importance of such projects in fostering economic growth and accessibility for traders from neighboring counties like Bungoma and Uasin Gishu.
Kakamega County Chief Officer for Trade, Faith Gitira, acknowledged the county government’s contribution of land for the market project and encouraged the market management committee to prioritize current traders in registration once the construction is complete. She also urged traders to utilize low-interest loans offered by her department to enhance their businesses.
Notable attendees at the event included Lugari Sub County Administrator Mary Mukatia, Assistant County Commissioner Wambua Mbinya, and Lumakanda counterpart Christine Cheboi.