The construction of the Sh49 million Hola market under the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) is progressing well and has reached 92 percent completion, a remarkable step towards transforming the local trading environment.
Stakeholders say the modern market is set to unlock a wave of economic opportunities for the region by providing traders with a dignified, secure and well-organized space to conduct their businesses.
Even as construction continues, the project is already making an impact as it has already created numerous jobs for local residents, directly boosting household incomes and stimulating the local economy.
Businesses in the surrounding areas like the Hola modern bus park are also experiencing increased activity, benefiting from the ripple effects of the ongoing project that is nearing completion.
The Hola ESP market situated right in the middle of Hola town, the administrative headquarters of Tana River County, will upon completion improve the trading experience and strengthen the entire value chain by attracting more buyers, improving hygiene standards and enhancing the overall business environment.
Tana River County Commissioner (CC) Joseph Mwangi said the investment is a key component of the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which prioritizes the empowerment of small-scale traders, expansion of local infrastructure and inclusive economic development at the grassroots.
CC Mwangi said the ESP project under the State Department of Housing and Urban Development aims to formalize trade, enhance security and improve sanitation for small-scale traders in the region.
He said the new project reflects the government’s blueprint which focuses on functionality, economic impact and long-term benefits to the people.
“Once complete, the modern market will provide proper trading spaces for small-scale entrepreneurs,” he said, noting that the new market would provide the much-needed boost to the local economy.
Mwangi said contractors have been given clear directives to adhere to high standards and that any deviation from quality or timelines would not be tolerated.
The administrator says the initiative is part of the bottom up socio-economic model to empower small, medium and micro enterprises at grassroots levels and reduce post-harvest losses for farmers.
“We want traders to do business in a cleaner, safer and healthier environment that also ensures the comfort of their customers,” he said.
The CC urged the contractor, Lilaaf Construction Company Ltd, to complete the market within the stipulated time frame, ensuring it becomes a beacon of progress and prosperity for the entire region.
Mwangi who was speaking after he led departmental heads on an inspection tour of the market project warned against stalling of public projects.
He said the national government would no longer tolerate any shoddy work under any circumstances in a bid to protect the integrity of public projects.
The County Commissioner has issued stern warnings to contractors regarding the slow pace and stalling of public infrastructure projects in the region.
“Contractors handling public projects should ensure that they are delivered on schedule as the government will not condone slow work,” he said, declaring an end to the era of abandoned, shoddy and substandard projects.
He said the Kenya Kwanza administration seeks to speed up all infrastructure development and maximize the impact of funds allocated to public projects.
Mwangi said Kenyans deserved value for their money noting that abandoned projects hampered socio-economic growth and exacerbate unemployment.
“As a government, we will not entertain slow progress or stalling of projects that would frustrate the people who are desperate for economic opportunities and jobs,” he said.
Mwangi emphasized on the need for contractors to meet deadlines and for the people to take ownership of the new facilities.
Site engineer Adelbert Morumbe said the new market with improved lockable storage, roofing, proper sanitation blocks and an ICT hub, aims to empower, dignify, and enhance the livelihoods of local traders.
Morumbe, who said the market would have smart stalls for 208 traders, said they were aware of their obligations and that they were striving to implement the project to its logical conclusion.
“The project was initially slated for completion on December 2025, but the contractor encountered unforeseen challenges however we are now optimistic to hand over the project next month,” he said.
He said the market is designed in the style of other ESP markets, featuring spacious stalls, proper drainage, reliable water supply and modern sanitation facilities, creating a clean, safe, and vibrant trading environment.
“The facility will open up new opportunities for small and medium enterprises, positioning Hola town as a growing hub for trade and investment,” he said.
Morumbe added that the new project would neither stall nor become a white elephant project as the contractor is committed to its completion.
Small-scale traders interviewed by KNA have welcomed the ongoing construction of the new modern market designed to provide secure, hygienic, and well-lit spaces.
They said once the construction is complete, the new market would promote local commerce and uplift the lives of small-scale business owners in the area.
By Hussein Abdullahi
