- Githurai market was constructed for Sh500 million by the previous administration and consists of 1,200 stalls.
- Wamatangi said that the allocation of market space will be very transparent.
Image: AMOS NJAU
Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi has met leaders and traders from the Githurai market to avert a planned demonstration.
The traders have complained about the allocation of stalls to friends and proxies.
On Friday, the traders vowed to demonstrate.
Githurai market was constructed for Sh500 million by the previous administration and consists of 1,200 stalls.
Wamatangi said that the allocation of market space will be very transparent.
Among those who attended the meeting include MCAs Zacharia Macharia (Kiuu), Donna Kendi (Mwiki), Kennedy Odhiambo (Kahawa Sukari) and George Gikanga (Mwihoko).
Wamatangi assured the traders that the leadership of the markets will, in a transparent and fair process involve traders, and spearhead the listing of the beneficiaries of the new market.
He said that to accommodate every trader, the county government will commission the construction of another market, the Githurai Two market, which will be commissioned on December 13, by President William Ruto.
Wamatangi said that besides Githurai Two market which will cost Sh850 million, his administration will also put up more markets in Githurai -Post Office and Muiganania for Sh50 million each.
“Following a successful request to the World Bank, the international financial institution agreed to partner with my administration in putting up a second market, which is part of my long-term plans to ensure traders get decent spaces for business,” he said.
He said that his administration will invest in market infrastructure, capacity building, and empowerment of small and medium-sized enterprises.
Atleast 1,000 traders also said the allocation of the Ruiru market space was done unfairly.
Ruiru market was built by the World Bank at the cost of Sh300 million and has been at the centre of a row between traders who have been allocated stalls and those who have been selling their goods on the streets.
They said less than 600 traders were allocated space, leaving a majority selling their merchandise under the sun and rain.
The governor vowed to ensure that all markets earmarked for construction will be properly designed to accommodate more traders and attract customers.
Some Kiambu MCAs requested the administration to ensure the construction of markets in a move to promote SMEs.
Kiamwangi MCA Kung'u Smart has also requested the county government to construct a modern market in Gatundu to promote commerce.
The MCA said that the construction of markets will help increase revenue uptake.
“This is a win-win situation, the county to increase markets and this will double or triple the number of traders who in return will pay taxes to the administration,” he said.
He requested the formation of committees that would ensure that the stalls in the market are allocated to rightful beneficiaries in a free and transparent manner,” he said.
Thika town MCA Mwangi Kentams requested Wamatangi to construct a modern market at Mukiriti.
He said that the market will help to solve hawkers’ problems and reduce crime.
Thika MP Alice Ng’ang’a urged the county government to construct a modern market in Thika town saying the move will encourage more Kenyans to engage in business and help in revenue generation.