The government is stepping up investment in modern markets in Kiambu County, with the construction of the Sh267 million Kangangi Fresh Produce Market in Kiambu Town currently 30 per cent complete.
The facility is among nearly 600 markets being developed across the country, under the government’s development programme, aimed at improving trading infrastructure, supporting small-scale traders and creating employment opportunities.
During an inspection of the ongoing works, Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki said the market construction programme was part of the government’s commitment to expanding economic opportunities and ensuring that development reaches communities across the country.
In Kiambu County, construction has commenced on 29 of the 31 planned markets, with works on the remaining two expected to begin soon.
Kabete Constituency is set to benefit from six modern markets, including Utheru, Kahuho, Gikoni, Mungunga, Gingero and Wagige, with the projects expected to provide traders with improved facilities for conducting business.
The markets have been allocated Sh52 million for Utheru, Sh53 million for Kahuho, Sh58 million for Gikoni, Sh62 million for Mungunga, Sh73 million for Gingero and Sh368 million for Wagige, which is the largest of the six projects.
Prof. Kindiki said the projects were part of a wider investment programme that also includes affordable housing, student hostels and institutional accommodation.
“Through the housing funds, we have invested Sh52 billion in Kiambu County to construct 31 markets, affordable housing projects and hostels for students,” he said.
Nationally, the Housing Fund projects, which include markets, housing units and student accommodation, are valued at approximately Sh800 billion and have created employment opportunities for an estimated 1.1 million people who were previously unemployed, according to the government.
The DP said the investments were changing the built environment across the country, with construction activity contributing to employment creation and economic development.
He noted that the modern markets were intended to improve infrastructure for traders while supporting businesses and livelihoods at the grassroots level.
“We promised to build markets. Approximately 600 markets are being constructed across Kenya, including 31 in Kiambu County and six in Kabete Constituency,” he said.
The Deputy President said the Government was implementing its development commitments in sectors including agriculture, education, healthcare, roads and electricity, adding that improved infrastructure was necessary to expand economic opportunities.
He also emphasised the need for equitable distribution of development projects, saying all regions deserved access to public investment.
“Equity is legit. Usawa ni Sawa. Never again will some parts of the country be left out in economic transformation and development. All Kenyans deserve development, without any discrimination,” Kindiki said.
The market projects come alongside other infrastructure investments in Kiambu, including road construction and affordable housing developments intended to improve access to services and support local economic activity.
The DP said the Kangangi Fresh Produce Market is expected to be completed and ready for use by February 2027, providing traders with modern facilities to conduct business and improving the infrastructure available to fresh produce vendors in Kiambu Town.
By Grace Naishoo
