Why government is focused on building markets – Kindiki

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has said that the Kenya Kwanza government is deliberate about constructing modern markets across the country.

Speaking during an inspection of ongoing works at Ndaragwa Market in Nyandarua County, Kindiki said the President William Ruto-led administration believes economic transformation should start from the grassroots.

He said this is the reason the government is putting more resources and efforts into modernising small-scale traders and farmers, among others.

“We believe Kenya's economy can only be transformed into a modern economy if we put more resources and more effort to spur economic growth from the grassroots by helping the farmers, small-scale traders, and small businesses, among others. It is the reason why we are building them modern markets spread all over the country,” Kindiki said.

The DP added that this is the reason the government is constructing over 400 modern markets across the country.

He said Ndaragwa will get at least four markets, with 15 others set for construction in other places across Nyandarua County.

Kindiki insisted that these markets will benefit business people from all walks of life, once completed.

“The markets we are constructing are not mere buildings; they are a source of livelihoods because many people in this country are businessmen and women. The youths, women, and small traders will benefit from this market. We promised during the campaign period to dignify Mama Mboga and any business, no matter its nature.”

The Deputy President further explained that this is the reason most of the state’s effort is on empowering the Mama Mbogas and boda boda operators.

For Ndaragwa, Kindiki said the state has also set aside Sh320 million, which will be used to connect electricity to at least 3,000 new households.

This is out of the Sh1.6 billion set aside to connect 14,000 households to electricity.

It was the DP’s third visit to the constituency since he took office in December 2024.