Trans nzoia: The County Government of Trans Nzoia has handed over 20 modern stalls to traders at Kamukunji Market following its upgrade by Kitale Municipality. Speaking during the handover Tuesday, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Lands, Physical Planning, Housing and Urban Development, Pius Gumo, said the project aims to improve the business environment for small traders. “We are working together with you to improve the business environment. This is not just government work, it is shared responsibility,” Gumo said, adding that the initiative targeted traders from poor backgrounds and hard-to-reach areas.
According to Kenya News Agency, the process is slow, but the goals are clear. Already, progress has been achieved, and the commitment remains to reach more beneficiaries. Kitale Municipality Vice Chair, Alice Nderitu Waruguru, announced the project would move to phase two this financial year, which will include more stalls, public ablution blocks, and a reliable water supply. “We have delivered 20 stalls today, and in this financial year we plan to add more. We are also preparing to build public ablution blocks and ensure reliable water supply,” Waruguru stated.
Waruguru further mentioned that traders would be required to pay for the stalls, but rates would be reviewed fairly. “We want to maintain high standards of cleanliness and water quality. The market will remain pedestrian-friendly, with belongings being well organised to ease movement,” she said. Members of the Kamukunji business community praised the county government for the upgrade, expressing that it will significantly improve their business activities.
Jane Kwambai, a trader, remarked that since 2021 they have been struggling under makeshift structures, but with this upgrade, their business lives will change for the better. Youth representative Sale Namawa Sifuna commended the transparency of the project, stating, “This project is clean, and we want it to continue like that. We are ready to collaborate with the government to sustain progress.”
Trader Stella Waswa highlighted the improved safety of the new stalls compared to their previous location near sewer lines. “Now we can do business without fear, feed our families, and sustain our jobs,” Waswa said. The traders pledged to pay rent and maintain the facilities, expressing hope that phase two would deliver more stalls and better infrastructure.
The handover was witnessed by Kitale Municipality Manager Irene Nang’ole, Municipal board members, technical staff, and other county officials.
