West Pokot: West Pokot County Commissioner Abdullai Khalif has expressed his support for ongoing housing projects and Economic Stimulus Project (ESP) markets across the country. Speaking at Orolwo area in the Kacheliba Sub County during the handing over of the site to the contractor for the construction of the Economic Stimulus Program (ESP) Market, Khalif stated that the housing project initiative seeks to tackle the significant housing deficit and ensure that every Kenyan has a place to call home.
According to Kenya News Agency, Khalif emphasized the importance of the housing project and ESP markets as key initiatives aimed at improving the living standards of residents and boosting local economies across the country. He noted that the housing program is a fundamental element of the national development agenda, which aims to provide decent and affordable housing for all citizens. The program is specifically designed to address the gap in housing supply, particularly for low- and medium-income earners who h
ave historically been underserved in the housing market.
Khalif outlined that under the housing project, key steps are currently being undertaken in West Pokot County, including public participation in the Affordable Housing Act and the identification of suitable sites for affordable housing. The identified locations for the affordable housing initiative in West Pokot County include Bendera land in Kapenguria town, a plot opposite the Lutheran Church in Kapenguria, and land near the county commissioner’s residence, earmarked for affordable housing close to the Kapenguria AIC Church.
Additionally, Khalif highlighted the Economic Stimulus Program Markets initiative as a transformative project aimed at revitalizing the country’s economy by improving market infrastructure and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). He asserted that the Economic Stimulus Markets initiative is vital for fostering economic growth and sustainability, particularly in rural and urban communities where market activities
serve as a crucial source of livelihood.
Commissioner Khalif stated that the primary objective of the economic stimulus markets is to establish a secure, hygienic, and well-organized marketplace that promotes local produce and supports the growth of SMEs by providing a conducive environment for business operations. Enhancing market facilities in West Pokot is intended to stimulate local commerce, improve food safety, and generate employment opportunities. The economic stimulus markets aim to support local producers and traders by offering improved infrastructure and resources to boost their productivity and market access.
Khalif reported significant progress in the economic stimulus markets initiative in West Pokot County, noting that the project handover for three markets in Ortum town is currently at 37.15% completion, while the Makutano town market stands at 34.52%, and the Sigor town market is at 28.8%. Additionally, he mentioned that the project site in the Ororwo area of Kacheliba Sub County has been
handed over to the contractor to commence construction.
Dan Kasembeli, an architect at the State Department for Housing and Urban Development in charge of the North Rift region, stated that the Economic Stimulus Program markets are designed to support 200 traders. The facility includes various amenities such as a cool room, dry storage, a designated area for mothers to breastfeed, a children’s play area, a social hall for meetings, kitchens, a food court, garbage collection areas, washrooms, and provisions for individuals with disabilities. The site is equipped with a septic tank and soak pit. Kasembeli noted that the ESP market comprises three locations: Ororwo, Makutano, and Sigor, with a total contract value of Sh147,000,000 for the three markets. Despite being behind schedule, he expressed a commitment to expedite the construction process.
Mr. Daniel Lopale, the chief officer of trade, industrialization, energy, investment, and cooperative development for West Pokot, expressed gratitude to the county co
mmissioner for the transfer of the site designated for the construction of the Ororwo ESP market. He emphasized the urgency of completing the construction to benefit the traders in the Ororwo area and affirmed the county government’s support for the project.
John Bosco, a resident of the Ororwo area within the Kacheliba Constituency, expressed satisfaction with the government’s decision to allocate funds for the construction of the ESP market. He commended the efforts of Martin Lotee, the Member of Parliament for Kacheliba Constituency, for securing resources from the national government to promote development in the area. Bosco highlighted the issue of unemployment among the youth in Kacheliba constituency and urged the contractor to prioritize hiring local unemployed youth for manual labor positions, as well as providing opportunities for skilled youth in construction to participate in the project.
