Kericho County government has vowed to uphold full transparency and strict accountability in the allocation of stalls at the newly commissioned Sh240 million Kericho Municipal Market, ensuring zero tolerance for corruption and guaranteeing that the market serves the genuine small-scale traders it was built to empower.
Speaking during colourful opening ceremony of the modern market, next to the Kiprugut Chumo stadium, Governor Eric Mutai said the high-value public investment demands strict accountability, emphasizing that only verified and legitimate traders will be allocated stalls to prevent favoritism, bribery and illegal allocations.
He explained that the county administration had established clear and transparent allocation guidelines, aimed at eliminating brokers and cartels, while ensuring fairness and equal opportunity for all eligible traders.
“The modern Sh240 million market belongs to the people of Kericho and is meant to directly benefit ordinary traders, and no illegal or irregular allocation of stalls or space will be allowed because this facility is a public asset that must serve the community fairly and transparently,” the Governor emphasized.
The modern facility, commissioned by Dr. Mutai alongside Nandi Governor Stephen Sang, was implemented through the Kericho Municipal Board to accommodate more than 600 traders in a clean, organized and secure environment.
Speaking at the event, Mutai said the market addresses long-standing challenges faced by traders who have operated in the open and endured harsh weather conditions, noting that the new facility provides a dignified and conducive trading space.
At the same time, he noted that the project aligns with the county’s agenda of modernizing urban infrastructure, while supporting the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda through grassroots economic empowerment.
“This market is about restoring dignity to our Mama Mbogas and creating a conducive space for them to grow their businesses,” he said.
His Nandi counterpart congratulated the Kericho County leadership for prioritizing people-centered development, saying the market will improve hygiene standards, enhance service delivery and stimulate cross-county trade.
“This is a dignified place where traders can conduct their business with pride and efficiency, and I commend the Kericho County Government for delivering this important project,” Sang added.
In the meantime, traders welcomed the facility, but requested enhanced lighting around the precincts, adequate parking space and strict accountability in stall allocation to improve accessibility and security.
Responding to the concerns, Mutai disclosed that the county government will improve security lighting, address parking needs and organize a medical camp at the market to offer free health check-ups for traders.
A host of leaders including Members of the County Assembly, led by Majority Leader Philip Rono, area MCA Martin Cheruiyot, Ainamoi Division Assistant County Commissioner Nancy Kibet, and other area leaders, attended the colorful commissioning and commended the county government for delivering a long-awaited project that directly benefits traders.
- By Kibe Mburu
