Traders and residents in Kagio, Ndia Constituency, Kirinyaga County, have welcomed the construction of a modern market facility worth Ksh357 million, a transformative project expected to alleviate long-standing congestion and improve trading conditions in the region.
The new two-storey Kagio Market is being developed under the joint efforts of the Kirinyaga County Government and the National Government through the Economic Stimulus Programme. It is among the development initiatives unveiled recently by President William Ruto during his visit to the Mt. Kenya region.
Once complete, the upgraded market will feature a range of modern amenities designed to enhance the working environment for traders and customers alike. These include reliable water supply, internet connectivity, clean sanitation facilities, a secure perimeter wall, and electricity. Such infrastructure is anticipated to boost business efficiency and promote hygienic practices within the fresh produce hub.
Speaking during a site inspection, local traders expressed their optimism and gratitude, noting that the new facility would double the market’s capacity from 1,500 to 3,000 traders. This expansion is expected to not only decongest the current facility but also accommodate more traders, thereby boosting economic activity and job creation in the area.
“This project is a game-changer for us,” said Jane Wanjiku, a vegetable vendor. “We have struggled with space, especially during peak market days. The new market will give us dignity and attract more customers.”
County officials also praised the initiative, linking it to the Kenya Kwanza administration’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, which prioritizes grassroots economic empowerment and infrastructure development.
Construction of the modern market is scheduled for completion by May next year. Once operational, it is expected to serve as a model for similar projects across the country, further reinforcing the government’s commitment to uplifting small-scale traders and strengthening local economies.
As work progresses, stakeholders remain hopeful that the market will usher in a new era of growth, convenience, and prosperity for Kagio and the wider Kirinyaga community.
