Breaking News: At least 10 feared to have drowned in Makueni river
Nakuru eyes markets facelift to boost trade
An aerial view of a section of Nakuru town.
What you need to know:
- Nakuru has about 70 operational markets, while others are at different stages of construction.
Nakuru County government is banking on the construction and refurbishment of markets across its 11 sub-counties to boost trade.
"The county government is constructing new markets, besides rehabilitating the old ones to spur the region's economy and create employment opportunities,” Trade and Tourism executive Raymond Komen said of the Sh1 billion plan.
Nakuru has about 70 operational markets, while others are at different stages of construction.
"We have seen the growth of on the number of traders operating in our markets and that calls for more markets to be built,” added Mr Komen.
In Naivasha sub-county, construction of the Sh600million, three-storey Naivasha Wholesale market is underway. The first phase of the construction, that was estimated to cost Sh149 million is now about 50 per cent complete.
In Nakuru town, the county is refurbishing its largest and oldest markets-the Top Market and the Wakulima Wholesale and fresh produce market at Sh50 million, as it eyeing city status. The markets that have been operating since the 1980s, host hundreds of traders.
"In Top Market, we have done additional roofing on walkways and slaughterhouse rehabilitation using Sh8 million. The project is meant to restore the market to its former glory as a renowned retail and wholesale food market," said Mr Komen.
He added: "We will facelift the market and turn it into city market due to its proximity to the town centre, as the town gears towards attaining city status.”
The refurbishment will include modernisation of the chicken and fish slaughter houses, renovation of worktops and re-carpeting of the whole market. It will also entail painting and repairing of the roofing tops, electrification and repairing of the drainage system.
