The national government, through the State Department for Housing and Urban Development, has rolled out an ambitious plan to put up a Sh66 million Kibigori–Kapsigilai Economic Stimulus Programme modern market in Chemilil–Chemase Ward.
The project took a major step forward this week when Tinderet Member of Parliament Julius Melly officially handed over the site to the contractor, signaling the start of a construction process expected to last 12 months.
Once completed, the one-storey market will host more than 400 traders and will feature a wide range of modern facilities aimed at improving business efficiency and hygiene standards. The design includes cold storage rooms to help preserve perishable goods, an ICT hub to support digital business services, administrative offices for streamlined management, a reliable supply of running water, and a fully equipped ablution block to ensure sanitation for both traders and customers.
During the handover event, MP Julius Melly expressed confidence that the project would significantly transform the trading environment in the region. He said the new market represents the government’s commitment to giving small-scale traders a dignified and secure place to conduct business.
Melly noted that with improved facilities, traders will no longer have to operate in makeshift or weather-exposed areas, and the market is expected to attract more commercial activity while boosting local incomes.
He added that such investments are essential in unlocking the economic potential of rural communities and ensuring that development is evenly distributed across the country.
Nandi County Executive Committee Member for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Hillary Serem, also lauded the initiative, saying it aligns perfectly with the county’s broader vision of creating well-planned and modern trading centres. Serem explained that the inclusion of amenities such as cold rooms and an ICT hub will give traders access to tools that enhance competitiveness in a rapidly modernising economy.
He said the county government is fully committed to supporting the project to ensure it is completed on time and meets the needs of the community. According to Serem, the market is expected to evolve into a major commercial hub that will not only improve the livelihoods of traders but also stimulate growth in surrounding areas.
Residents of Chemilil–Chemase Ward have welcomed the development with optimism, noting that the modern market will bring structure and stability to local trade, reduce post-harvest losses through cold storage, and provide a safer and cleaner environment for business.
As construction begins, many hope the project will open up new opportunities for entrepreneurship, attract investors, and ignite broader economic activities within the ward and beyond.
The forthcoming market stands as a symbol of the government’s push to strengthen economic resilience at the grassroots level. Over the next year, stakeholders will be watching closely as the Kibigori–Kapsigilai modern market rises, with the anticipation that it will become a transformative centre of commerce once officially commissioned.
By Sammy Mwibanda
