Traders in Kagio town, Kirinyaga County, have given a strong endorsement to the planned construction of a modern, two-storey market to alleviate the congestion that has long plagued the existing fresh produce facility. This expansion, spearheaded by the County Government in collaboration with the National Government through the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP), promises to create a more conducive environment for business while accommodating the growing number of traders in the region.
During a public participation forum at the Kagio fresh produce market, traders expressed their excitement and optimism about the long-awaited project. Many noted that the current market, which has served them well for years, can no longer meet the demands of the expanding population of traders. The lack of space has forced many vendors to display their goods outside the market, often creating a chaotic and cramped environment. Mary Nyawira, a potato trader, emphasized the urgency of the expansion, explaining that the old facility is too small to accommodate everyone. “We want to laud our Governor Waiguru for her effort to ensure we have a conducive environment for business,” she said, highlighting the importance of the market expansion.
In addition to the extra space, traders outlined key features they would like to see incorporated into the new market. These include adequate parking for vehicles, spacious areas for movement and display of goods, as well as improved sanitation facilities. Vendors like Hannah Nyambura, who sells fresh produce, expressed the need for a cleaner and more organized environment. “We need more space and a clean environment,” she said, adding that the congestion had led to drainage issues and inadequate amenities. For traders dealing with perishable goods, reliable electricity for refrigeration is also a crucial requirement.
Peter Wangoci, another fresh produce vendor, celebrated the news that their long-standing request for market expansion had been heard. He emphasized the importance of designated parking spaces, which have often been a challenge for both traders and customers. “Many of our customers and those bringing in fresh produce struggle to get parking space, which discourages them from visiting the market,” Wangoci explained, stressing that parking solutions are essential to attracting more buyers.
County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Trade and Industrialization, Calbert Njeru, explained that the proposed market expansion would benefit over 1,000 traders. The public participation forum, he said, was essential to ensure that traders’ opinions are considered in the design of the new facility. “Our Governor Anne Waiguru has successfully lobbied for the construction of another market here, and we are gathering opinions from traders on how they would like the market to be designed,” he stated.
The planned designs for the market include organized market stalls, improved sanitation facilities, a drainage system, and a social hall for community use. Additionally, ample parking spaces will be created to ease congestion and improve accessibility. These features are part of a broader strategy by the county government to develop modern markets that cater to the contemporary needs of growing towns and trading centers.
Governor Anne Waiguru has been a strong advocate for the development of modern markets across Kirinyaga. Under her leadership, the county has seen the construction of 17 modern markets, with several ongoing projects under the ESP initiative. These include markets in Mukarara, Kimbimbi, and Kibingoti. Kagio town itself has benefited from Waiguru’s administration, which has built three other markets: the Kagio Cereals Market, the Fresh Produce Market, and the Kagio Cloths Market. Other markets in the region, such as Kutus, Kerugoya, and Makutano, have also been modernized to support local trade.
In total, Waiguru’s administration is constructing 11 new markets across the county, designed with the essential amenities that modern traders require, such as solid waste disposal systems, reliable water and electricity supply, and efficient drainage. These developments aim to boost local economies by creating environments where businesses can thrive and serve the needs of growing populations in Kirinyaga’s towns. The construction of the new Kagio market is expected to further enhance this vision, providing a vibrant and efficient trading hub for the county.
