Traders in Kabarnet town who have been working under unbearable conditions for the past six decades, now have a reason to smile after the National government embarked on the construction of a Sh182 million ultra-modern market.
Traders are operating in unsanitary conditions, even after paying taxes and levies, yet they see little to no improvement in facilities and services.
Speaking during the site handover ceremony at Kabarnet market on yesterday, Baringo Central Member of Parliament (MP) Joshua Kandie said the three-storey building will include wholesale, retail spaces, a daycare center and an ICT hub.
Kandie flanked by County Commissioner Stephen Kutwa, Governor Benjamin Cheboi among other leaders announced that the contractor has agreed to complete the project in 12 months’ time.
The MP said plans are in place to relocate over 1,000 traders operating in the old market structures to a temporary site in order to pave way for the new facility whose construction works starts immediately.
“I am urging our traders not to panic because we will ensure that they are properly relocated to another site during the approximately 12-month construction period so that they are not disadvantaged in any way,” he said.
Kandie’s sentiments were echoed by governor Cheboi who promised to support the traders including those who will need capital to improve their businesses as well as prioritizing the initial traders once the market is complete.
The governor lauded the transformational project which he stated will become one of the legacies of President William Ruto in the county alongside establishment of a county university, modern stadium and critical roads at various stages of implementation amongst other flagship projects.
He encouraged them to adopt sustainable practices to support the rapidly growing population at the county headquarters which will soon benefit from the first public university expected to create massive demand for local services.
Kutwa in his remarks called on youth from the town to take advantage of job opportunities set to arise from the construction of the modern market.
He added that his office will be conducting regular supervision of the construction works to ensure it is completed within the stipulated time and ensure residents get value for money.
By Benson Kelio & Joshua Kibet
