Traders in Tharaka Nithi County are expressing optimism following the completion of Gatunga Modern Market, the first of its kind in Tharaka North Sub-County.
The construction of the market is expected to boost the local economy, expand business opportunities and protect traders from harsh weather conditions.
Speaking in Gatunga, Market chairman Paul Muriungi, a cereals trader who supplies green grams and other produce to customers in Nairobi, Nakuru and the local community, said the old market setup had exposed traders to difficult working conditions for years.
According to Muriungi, “Many traders operated from temporary wooden stalls and makeshift structures covered with clothes and iron sheets, making business difficult during rainy and sunny seasons.”
Muriungi praised the government for constructing a modern market, saying the new facility will provide traders with secure and permanent business spaces. He noted that the construction was carried out carefully and professionally, allowing the building enough time to strengthen and dry properly to ensure durability.
“The new stalls made of steel structures will last for many years compared to the old wooden kiosks that frequently rotted or collapsed.” He added.
The market leadership has already developed plans on how businesses will be arranged once the facility is officially opened. The ground floor is expected to host vegetable vendors, cereals traders and foodstuff dealers, while the upper floors will accommodate clothing shops, cyber cafes and tea hotels. Muriungi said traders are eagerly waiting to move into the new premises, especially with the rainy season approaching, since they will finally operate comfortably indoors.
He further observed that the market has continued attracting more customers and traders, particularly in the clothing, footwear, mitumba and mobile phone businesses. However, he expressed concern that the current space may still be insufficient because of the growing number of traders seeking stalls.
He appealed to the government to consider expanding the facility further by constructing additional upper floors to accommodate the increasing demand. Despite the need for expansion, he said traders remain grateful for the transformation, describing the new market as a major step toward improving livelihoods and boosting the local economy.
President William Ruto is rolling out 600 similar markets across the country as part of a broader initiative to promote small scale business by providing them with dignified and organised trading environments.
The President has reiterated on several occasions that investment in markets is central to boosting small businesses, creating jobs, and supporting economic growth at the grassroots level.
