Traders at Malaba market have a reason to smile after President William Ruto launched construction of an ultramodern market in Malaba worth Sh350 on Friday.
The Head of State laid the foundation stone to mark the immediate commencement of work at the 1.2-acre piece of land at the border town.
Malaba County Strategic Market will be equipped with modern facilities like storerooms, cold rooms for fresh fruits and lactating rooms for mothers and will host 1,000 modern stalls, creating a conducive environment for traders and turn Malaba into a commercial hub.
This is part of Kenya Kwanza manifesto to modernize existing market infrastructures and uplift the small scale traders for economic growth and inspire development from grassroots.
“Malaba remains a pivotal town on matters of trade in this country, that is why we must give it a face which reflects the income it generates to the nation,” said the President.
The President added that, “the facility will help expand the business at the busy border town by serving as a central trading hub that links producers, wholesalers, and consumers both in the country and neighbouring nations who are key business partners.”
Through the government’s economic stimulus programme, Busia has benefited from 14 modern markets constructed at an estimated cost of over Sh633.8 million.
The markets include; ESP markets at Amagoro and Angurai in Teso North, Korinda and Aroma ESP market in Matayos sub-county, Mungatsi and Lupinda ESP markets in Nambale sub-county, Budalangi and Mubwayo ESP markets in Bunyala sub-county, Mulwanda and Namboboto ESP markets in Samia sub-county, Amukura, Kemondo and Lukolis ESP markets in Teso South and Butula ESP market in Butula sub-county.
The projects underscore the government commitment to transforming local economies through inclusive development and infrastructural growth.
Further, the projects are testament to the government’s commitment to transform the business environment and expand the SME sector into an industrial hub which can absorb millions of jobless Kenyans whose lives were in limbo for many decades.
Traders who spoke to the press after the launch applauded the President for keeping his promise but noted that the targeted 1,000 stalls at the market are inadequate for the market which accommodates over 3,000 traders during market days.
Strategically, Malaba market is situated less than a kilometre from the border making it attractive to traders both from Kenya and neighbouring Uganda.
Malaba market is widely known for cereals trade handling an estimated 120 tonnes of cereals transacted annually through the Malaba OSBP.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi urged the residents to stick with the President all through citing his unrivalled development projects across the country.
By Absalom Namwalo
