Posted on :Tuesday , 2nd July 2024

Traders in Bahati Sub County, Nakuru County in Kenya will reap advantages from a multi-million integrated contemporary market that will be built at Kabatini Trading Centre. During the site handover, Governor Susan Kihika announced that the project is a collaboration between the National Government and the County Government of Nakuru.

According to Ms. Kihika, the project would consist of recreational halls, prefabricated stalls, market space division, cold room facilities, offices, an ATM lobby, baby nursery services (creche), and primary processing facilities for added value. The governor also revealed that the project will feature additional facilities such as sewage systems, high-mast flood lights, and higher water tanks, as well as financial institutions, eateries, and new restrooms that are accessible to those with impairments.

Ms. Kihika promised the traders that after the construction was completed, they would have an appropriate atmosphere in which to conduct their business. She was joined by Deputy Governor Mr. David Kones, Bahati Member of Parliament Ms. Irene Njoki, Baringo County Women Representative Ms. Florence Jematia, Nyeri counterpart Ms. Rahab Mukami, and area County Assembly Member Ms. Leah Nganga.

The two-story market will be constructed on half an acre of land, with at least 200 vendors expected to have cold storage space. According to Ms. Kihika, the market would also have water towers, cabros, restrooms, and market office space. She further stated that the market's goal is to serve as a feeder for the market hubs in Bahati, Subukia, Nakuru Town East, and Nakuru Town West subcounties.

Ms. Kihika stated that the national government, in collaboration with counties, is dedicated to enhancing the country's trading environment. The majority of Kenyans are merchants by nature, and what they seek is the dignity of their businesses and the locations from which they operate. However, most of them operate in filthy conditions with no roads, sewerage, or other amenities, attracting individuals with poor purchasing power, according to the governor. The market is expected to boost trade and improve the economy of the trading center on the major Nakuru-Nyahururu route.

The Sh200-million contemporary marketplace is part of the government's Economic Stimulus Programme. The market will have a ground floor with over 200 modern trading stalls, as well as a boardroom on the first level. The stalls will be separated into three sections: fresh vegetables, clothing, and wares. Furthermore, the modern market will have an infant feeding area for breastfeeding moms, an ICT room with complete internet access, and a revenue center. The market will also include food courts where vendors may sell meals to local customers.

The construction will also comprise enclosing the market and building a modern ablution complex with a biodigester for waste disposal. For security concerns, the state will build high-mast solar-powered floodlights to protect traders as they conduct their business. To improve sanitation, a borehole will be constructed for drinking water and cleaning, complete with raised water tanks and a receptacle.