Kabarnet: Traders in Kabarnet town who have been working under unbearable conditions for the past six decades, now have a reason to smile after the National government embarked on the construction of a Sh182 million ultra-modern market. Traders are operating in unsanitary conditions, even after paying taxes and levies, yet they see little to no improvement in facilities and services.
According to Kenya News Agency, Baringo Central Member of Parliament (MP) Joshua Kandie, speaking during the site handover ceremony at Kabarnet market, announced that the three-storey building will include wholesale, retail spaces, a daycare center, and an ICT hub. Kandie, flanked by County Commissioner Stephen Kutwa, Governor Benjamin Cheboi, among other leaders, declared that the contractor has agreed to complete the project in 12 months’ time.
The MP highlighted plans to relocate over 1,000 traders operating in the old market structures to a temporary site to pave way for the new facility, whose construction works start immediately. ‘I am urging our traders not to panic because we will ensure that they are properly relocated to another site during the approximately 12-month construction period so that they are not disadvantaged in any way,’ he said.
Governor Cheboi supported Kandie’s sentiments, promising to assist traders, including those needing capital to improve their businesses, and prioritizing the initial traders once the market is complete. The governor praised the transformational project, stating it will be one of President William Ruto’s legacies in the county, alongside the establishment of a county university, modern stadium, and critical roads at various stages of implementation.
Cheboi encouraged sustainable practices to support the rapidly growing population at the county headquarters, which will soon benefit from the first public university expected to create massive demand for local services. County Commissioner Kutwa called on the youth from the town to take advantage of job opportunities arising from the construction of the modern market. He assured that his office will regularly supervise the construction works to ensure timely completion and value for money for residents.
