Chogoria market 92% complete, traders await opening

For years, thousands of women traders across Kenya have worked under makeshift shelters, battling rain, dust, mud and scorching heat as they sold vegetables, fruits and cereals to support their families.

Now, a government drive to construct modern markets is offering fresh hope to the traders, many of whom form the backbone of the country's micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

In Chogoria, Tharaka Nithi County, excitement is building as the construction of the Chogoria Modern market nears completion, with the project now standing at 92 per cent complete according to the State Department for Housing.

Designed to accommodate 400 traders, the market is among dozens being constructed across the country under the government's programme aimed at providing dignified trading spaces for small-scale entrepreneurs, particularly women.

President William Ruto says the initiative is part of his administration's efforts to empower traders operating at the grassroots level.

“We are honouring our promise to give Mama Mboga and other traders decent places of work, one market after another. The traders have been conducting their activities in open air, exposed to rain, scorching sun, mud and dust,” Ruto said.

“Now they have a dignified market, with cold storage among other facilities. This is the true meaning of bottom up,” he added.

For many traders, the new markets represent more than just buildings; they symbolise recognition of a sector that has sustained millions of Kenyan households for decades.

Among those eagerly awaiting completion of the Chogoria facility is Vieterina Bundi, a vegetable vendor who says her business enabled her to educate her children and support her family.

“I am very happy because we were selling outside in the open, getting rained on, battling mud and braving hot temperatures. There were a lot of challenges because Chogoria had no land to build a market, but this has been made possible through the leadership that we have,” she said.

She described the market as a historic project for the area.

“Our main concern at the beginning was to have a market, and at this moment we are grateful because we are close to moving into this new market,” she said.

“This is historical because many governments have come and gone without bringing such development to us.”

The Chogoria market is equipped with modern facilities, including Information Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure to support e-commerce, cold storage facilities for perishable goods, dry storage for cereals, sanitation amenities, a social hall and dedicated spaces for nursing mothers and children.

Traders believe the facilities will significantly reduce post-harvest losses while improving business operations.

Lydia Mukami, chairperson of the local Mama Mboga group, said women traders have been closely monitoring the project because of the immense impact it is expected to have on their livelihoods.

“We formed this group because we were very happy with the construction of this market. We did not expect to have such a big market in Chogoria, so we come here regularly to assess the progress,” she said.

She added that the facility is expected to attract traders and buyers from neighbouring counties, boosting regional commerce and creating new economic opportunities.

As the government continues rolling out modern markets across the country, thousands of women traders see the projects as a chance to grow their businesses, improve incomes and participate more effectively in Kenya's evolving economy.