By D, KNA
Kirinyaga governor Anne Waiguru has unveiled the construction of two ultra-modern markets in Mwea constituency, marking yet another milestone in her county transformation agenda.
The Kiumbu and Wamumu markets, jointly being implemented by the national and county governments are designed to accommodate over 700 traders, providing modern, dignified spaces for commerce.
The facilities will feature organized stalls, reliable water and electricity supply, modern sanitation systems, food courts and lactating services for mothers.
In a deliberate effort to embrace the digital economy, the markets will also host ICT hubs with free WiFi, allowing youth to access online jobs, freelancing opportunities, and e-commerce platforms.
The initiative is in line with the Kenya Kwanza administration’s broader plan to integrate ICT into grassroots development, while creating opportunities for young people.
Waiguru said the markets form part of the Kenya Kwanza government’s pledge to provide decent working spaces for traders across the country.
“We are groundbreaking the markets as I had promised during my campaigns. As a county government we have already constructed 18 markets, while 11 more are being implemented in collaboration with the national government. Today, we are fulfilling that promise of transforming the lives of ordinary traders,” she said.
The governor added that the two markets are strategically located to link with the nearly complete County Aggregation and Industrial Park (CAIP) in Sagana.
Once complete, CAIP will offer farmers and traders agro-processing and value addition facilities to ensure that agricultural produce fetches better prices in regional and national markets.
Mwea, where the two new markets are located, is renowned as the county’s agricultural powerhouse. It produces a significant share of the food consumed within Kirinyaga and other supplies to the neighbouring counties.
The area is specifically famous for its rice schemes, but also produces vegetables, maize and livestock products.
By modernizing markets and improving infrastructure, the county and national governments, target to reduce post-harvest losses, expand access to customers and boost farmer incomes.
The governor emphasized that the ongoing local road construction by the national government will further complement the markets by improving connectivity within Mwea and beyond.
Once complete, the road will ease transportation of agricultural produce from farms to markets, thus reducing costs for farmers and enabling faster access to consumers.
The residents have hailed the initiative as a turning point in the history of Mwea.
Tebere MCA Peter Karinga said the facilities will transform local commerce, adding that, “Our town will change dramatically because of this market. We will finally move from unhygienic open-air trading to modern and organized facilities that match our growing economy.”
A long-time trader at the Wamumu market, Martha Wangui said the development was a dream come true.
“ This will make a huge difference for us and for our children,” she said.
The markets are also expected to create jobs during and after construction, while stimulating related businesses such as transport, retail, and agribusiness.
For the youth, the ICT hubs are projected to become entry points into the digital economy, helping them earn from freelancing, content creation and online trade.
Waiguru reaffirmed her administration’s focus on aligning county development with national priorities to maximize impact for residents.
She said the joint implementation of projects by the two levels of government was proof that collaboration can yield tangible benefits for ordinary Kenyans.
“These markets are not just physical structures; they are engines of transformation that will boost trade, support agriculture, empower youth and improve livelihoods for generations,” she said.
The governor added that the county’s development blueprint seeks to integrate agriculture, industry, and trade into one ecosystem, where farmers produce, traders access organized markets and industries handle value addition.
With the CAIP, new markets, and improved roads, she said, Kirinyaga is firmly on the path to industrial and social transformation.
“By combining infrastructure, agriculture, trade, and digital technology, the two markets stand as a clear example of how devolution and national government partnership can directly improve the lives of citizens.
For the people of Mwea, the projects are a promise fulfilled and a gateway to new opportunities,” she said
