Traders in Nanyuki and Nyahururu towns are set to benefit with an ultra-modern market aimed at creating a conducive working environment, Principal Secretary (PS)-In-Charge of Housing and Urban Development, Charles Hinga, has said.
The PS who was speaking to traders while on inspecting the Nanyuki Town Open Air Market, Saturday, said the government is committed to improving their working places with modern facilities.
“Majority of Kenyans are traders by nature and what they look for is the dignity of their hustles and the places they trade from, but most of them trade in filthy places, where there is no road, sewerage and other amenities, hence attracting people with low purchasing power,” said PS Hinga.
He added that the government targets to modernize about 400 markets across the country
“If we are able to build better markets with ablution facilities, coolers for perishable goods, lighting systems, making sure you are not exposed to heat and rain, that is what traders need,” said the PS.
The PS also inspected land set to be used for development of affordable housing projects and said once the units are completed, they will be useful in decongesting people living in major cities across the country and at the same time attract investors.
“We believe that, if there is one place that will be able to give us so many housing units that we need and so that people can decongest Nairobi and other parts, come and live in this beautiful place and still do their work, Laikipia is the place to be,” noted the PS.
He pointed out that the government targets to construct several affordable housing units countrywide.
The PS noted that raw materials for construction of affordable housing projects will be sourced locally, in a bid to create job opportunities for residents.
To boost the development in the County, Mr.Hinga said that leaders in both County and National Government will collaborate without politicising government projects.
Mr. Hinga revealed that plans are underway to upgrade Nanyuki and Nyahururu to municipalities standard, pointing out that the move will see the County benefit more on social economic development.
The PS was accompanied by the Laikipia Governor, Joshua Irungu, Member of Parliament, Mwangi Kiunjuri among other local leaders.
By Muturi Mwangi
