Hola: The construction of the Sh49 million Hola market under the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) is progressing well and has reached 92 percent completion, a remarkable step towards transforming the local trading environment.
According to Kenya News Agency, stakeholders say the modern market is set to unlock a wave of economic opportunities for the region by providing traders with a dignified, secure, and well-organized space to conduct their businesses. Even as construction continues, the project is already making an impact as it has created numerous jobs for local residents, directly boosting household incomes and stimulating the local economy.
Businesses in the surrounding areas like the Hola modern bus park are also experiencing increased activity, benefiting from the ripple effects of the ongoing project that is nearing completion. The Hola ESP market, situated in the middle of Hola town, the administrative headquarters of Tana River County, will upon completion improve the trading experience and strengthen the entire value chain by attracting more buyers, improving hygiene standards, and enhancing the overall business environment.
Tana River County Commissioner Joseph Mwangi stated that the investment is a key component of the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, which prioritizes the empowerment of small-scale traders, expansion of local infrastructure, and inclusive economic development at the grassroots. Mwangi mentioned that the ESP project under the State Department of Housing and Urban Development aims to formalize trade, enhance security, and improve sanitation for small-scale traders in the region.
Mwangi emphasized that the new project reflects the government’s blueprint which focuses on functionality, economic impact, and long-term benefits to the people. ‘Once complete, the modern market will provide proper trading spaces for small-scale entrepreneurs,’ he said, noting that the new market would provide the much-needed boost to the local economy.
Mwangi has issued directives to contractors to adhere to high standards and warned against any deviation from quality or timelines. He stated the initiative is part of the bottom-up socio-economic model to empower small, medium, and micro enterprises at grassroots levels and reduce post-harvest losses for farmers. ‘We want traders to do business in a cleaner, safer, and healthier environment that also ensures the comfort of their customers,’ he said.
The CC urged the contractor, Lilaaf Construction Company Ltd, to complete the market within the stipulated time frame, ensuring it becomes a beacon of progress and prosperity for the entire region. Mwangi, who was speaking after he led departmental heads on an inspection tour of the market project, warned against stalling of public projects and assured that the national government would no longer tolerate any shoddy work under any circumstances.
The County Commissioner has issued stern warnings to contractors regarding the slow pace and stalling of public infrastructure projects in the region. ‘Contractors handling public projects should ensure that they are delivered on schedule as the government will not condone slow work,’ he said, declaring an end to the era of abandoned, shoddy, and substandard projects.
Site engineer Adelbert Morumbe said the new market with improved lockable storage, roofing, proper sanitation blocks, and an ICT hub, aims to empower, dignify, and enhance the livelihoods of local traders. Morumbe, who said the market would have smart stalls for 208 traders, noted their awareness of obligations and the effort to implement the project to its conclusion.
He explained that the market, designed like other ESP markets, features spacious stalls, proper drainage, reliable water supply, and modern sanitation facilities, creating a clean, safe, and vibrant trading environment. ‘The facility will open up new opportunities for small and medium enterprises, positioning Hola town as a growing hub for trade and investment,’ he said.
Small-scale traders interviewed expressed optimism, noting that once complete, the market would promote local commerce and uplift the lives of small-scale business owners in the area.
