Laikipia: Leaders in Laikipia and Meru counties have urged residents to support the Kenya Kwanza government in order to benefit from development projects. They spoke while launching multi-million projects on Monday ahead of President Dr. William Ruto's tour in the Mt Kenya region next month.
According to Kenya News Agency, Buuri East Member of Parliament Mugambi Rindikiri announced a Sh56 million ultra-modern market in Timau town supported by the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) through the Ministry of Housing, which is expected to accommodate more than 200 traders upon completion. 'This is a modern market, and the government will spend Sh56 million; it will be a one-storey building accommodating 200 small-scale traders,' said Rindikiri.
The state-of-the-art modern market is expected to be complete within six months and will be equipped with internet connectivity to boost sales, a baby care centre for lactating mothers, a cold room to store perishable produce and enhanced sanitation services. 'The facility will have internet connectivity, a social hall, a modern sewerage system, a baby care centre and a cold room for perishable goods storage for our women. Thus, we urge our traders to provide support to the contractor during the construction period,' noted the legislator.
On her part, the Laikipia North Member of Parliament Sarah Korere noted that the project would create job opportunities for both counties, while at the same time calling on residents to shun tribalism, which would divide the country. 'I urge Kenyans to remain united; when the government initiates projects, youth should remain steadfast in supporting them, aimed at creating employment. It's time for development, not politics,' said Korere. Furthermore, the legislator urged the government to construct a livestock market in the region.
On the other hand, the Kenya Revenue Authority Chairman and former Laikipia Governor Ndiritu Muriithi applauded the market project, noting it would be a major boost to the economy of the two counties. Some of the traders said that previously they had conducted their businesses in an unfriendly environment which included poor drainage systems; however, with the modern market, it will boost sales. 'We undergo a lot of challenges, especially during the rainy season; sometimes I have to stand on top of my kiosk for me to be able to sell, but when customers see that, they run away. However, with the new modern market, we won't have such problems,' said Teresa Nkatha, one of the farm produce traders. Nkatha added that with the internet connectivity, she will further enrol for online business as a way of increasing her sales.
Earlier on, the leaders had launched an administration block at Sirimon Mixed Secondary School in Laikipia North Sub County.