By R, KNA
The Bendera market which is barely a year-old since its commissioning has become an icon for the residents of Kapenguria Municipality especially those far from the renowned Makutano business centre.
The market has come in handy during the somehow extended rainfall that has been falling within the area prompting many shoppers to cut costs of moving to the CBD at Makutano to seek for fresh produce.
Jane Loyatum states that since the onset of the rains that usually fall almost daily several times a day, has made Bendera market a market of choice for her grocery needs.
She narrated how she would spend at least Sh200 to get her fresh produce from Makutano but thanks to the rains that have helped her get the same services within her proximity.
“The ongoing rains here are unpredictable because they start falling anytime. Clouds gather so fast and rains start, therefore they have to be calculative if they have to go to Makutano,” explained Ms. Loyatum.
She highlighted that the market is more hygienic because of the shade which is well floored and a roof that one can shelter comfortably in case they are caught up by the sporadic rains.
The shoppers appreciate the county government for the project whose construction had been completed before 2022 but because of political issues its operations were delayed till early this year.
They said with the rains the number of customers have increased making it popular although it misses all varieties of fresh produce needed.
“We wish to encourage the stall owners to beef up their stocks with variety so that those hailing from Bendera and nearby areas can reduce the cost of going to Makutano to get their essential needs.
“If you want to buy the produce in bulk it forces you to move to Makutano where commodities are in abundance and cheaper,” stated Julius Kwanusu.
Kwanusu said the place can formulate a market day so that wholesalers can supply their produce there for convenience which will also attract more affordable prices.
Rains within Kapenguria Town have been an eyesore since they are sporadic and start anytime of the day inconveniencing so many outdoor economic activities.
Some people argued that the market is meant to serve a small population with only 80 stalls since the bulk of the town residents stay around the Makutano area.
They also noted that there is no steady transport to attract shoppers from other areas hence having a market day would be a futile move.
“This is just a kind of an estate market where late shoppers can access their basics not in bulk,” observed Ednah Rotich.
End/Business/Githaiga/Hawa