Traders in Eldoret have welcomed the construction of the 64 Ultra-Modern Market, saying it would enhance businesses, even as they called on the county government to ensure fairness and transparency in the allocation of stalls to those displaced by the project.
The Sh6 billion market, jointly funded by the National Government and the Uasin Gishu County Government, is built on a site that previously housed the Champions Market and the old 64 retail market. It is expected to accommodate thousands of traders once complete.
Jane Jepkosgei, a grain trader, said she expects the new market to serve traders, buyers, workers and visitors well, noting that sufficient customer traffic would allow businesses to grow.
Jepkosgey said she expected a clear process to identify traders who operated in the old market and called for clarity on the conditions and criteria that will be used to evaluate applicants for the stalls.
“I expect a clean and well-organised market, with enough space to store goods. My business involves heavy sacks of grain, so I need a place where goods can be stored safely and customers can load their goods with ease,” she said.
The trader raised concerns over the possibility of increased business costs in the new market, urging the county government to announce costs in advance and avoid unexpected increases that could cut into their profits.
Jepkosgey also called for designated loading areas, proper drainage, waste collection and security to reduce conflict over space so as to keep the market clean.
Hezron Kamau, who runs four stalls, said the new market would benefit traders and attract more buyers, noting that poor sanitation at the old site had previously driven customers away.
“We have faced challenges here because of the dirt, which was also driving away customers, but now the new market will give us benefits like job creation, and those looking for work will now get it,” Kamau said, adding that he will need to hire additional workers to run his stalls.
He said the new facility would also help preserve perishable goods such as fruits, which traders previously risked storing in the open under harsh sun.
Mercy Chebet, a fruit vendor of seven years, said the new market’s clean environment would help her attract more customers and grow her income.
She said operating from a temporary location after the old market’s demolition had made it difficult to maintain proper storage and retain regular customers, leading to losses on perishable stock due to delays and inadequate facilities.
“I expect better cleanliness, proper storage and a well-organised environment. These improvements can help us maintain the quality of our goods and build customer trust,” Chebet said.
Beatrice Ochieng, a food vendor, said she struggled to retain customers after the demolition, as some were unable to locate her temporary business premises, forcing her to spend money renting alternative space.
“When the market was demolished, I relied on my savings and the small amount I earned daily. I also cut down on some expenses because my sales were not as reliable as before. I did not receive direct compensation,” Ochieng said, adding that she would like to know whether there were official plans to support traders affected by the demolition.
The market is expected to be officially opened by President William Ruto as one of the preliminary activities ahead of this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations in Uasin Gishu.
By Rooney Kiprop and Purity Nafula
