Gatunga Market Chairman, Peter Muriungi said the new market offers traders an opportunity to grow their businesses/COURTESYThe completion of the modern Gatunga ESP Market in Tharaka Nithi County is set to transform trade and improve livelihoods for hundreds of small-scale traders, offering a major boost to local economic activity and the government's efforts to modernise market infrastructure across the country.
According to the State Department of Housing and Urban Development, the market is now 99 per cent complete and is expected to be handed over in the coming weeks.
The project, constructed under the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP), will provide a modern trading space for more than 200 traders who have for years operated in temporary roadside structures exposed to rain, dust and scorching sun.
Key facilities, including the main market building, ablution block, waste collection cubicle, septic tanks and water storage systems, have already been completed, paving the way for traders to occupy the facility.
The development has generated excitement among residents and traders who believe the market will unlock new business opportunities and improve working conditions.
“People are very happy with this project, and they long for the day they will be allowed in,” said site foreman Benson Rangira.
Rangira noted that apart from improving trading conditions, the project has already had a positive impact on the local economy through job creation.
“During construction, about 200 people were employed as skilled and unskilled labourers. The market is also going to boost business for transporters, including boda boda operators, while providing traders with a dignified place to work,” he said.
He added that the facility aligns with President William Ruto's pledge to improve the livelihoods of small traders, particularly Mama Mboga and boda boda operators, through modern market infrastructure.
One of the major attractions of the market is its modern amenities, including cold rooms for storing vegetables and other perishable goods, a dry storage facility for cereals, an ICT hub to support e-commerce, a social hall, sanitation facilities, a lactation room and a children's play area.
Market chairman Paul Muriungi said traders had endured difficult conditions for years while operating from makeshift structures.
“The situation was not good for us because we were using sticks and temporary structures to display our goods. We struggled during both rainy and sunny seasons,” he said.
“But the government has done something very beneficial for us. We will no longer sell in the rain or under the hot sun. Business will improve and our customers will be more comfortable.”
Muriungi said the market's design would allow different businesses to operate efficiently, with food vendors occupying the ground floor while clothing shops, cyber cafés and eateries will occupy the upper floor.
“We are happy because the government has remembered us and fulfilled its promise. This market will attract more customers and expand opportunities for traders,” he said.
The market is expected to serve as a regional trading hub, attracting traders and buyers from neighbouring areas including Meru, Mwingi and Gathwana.
Officials say the facility is part of the government's wider plan to modernise markets across the country, strengthen the informal sector and create sustainable economic opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises.
