The government is constructing 14 modern markets across Kisumu County in a bid to improve trading conditions, support small businesses and strengthen the local economy.
The markets, being built under the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) through the State Department for Housing and Urban Development, are intended to provide cleaner, safer and more organised trading spaces.
Each market is expected to accommodate about 300 traders.The projects are at different stages of implementation. Some are close to completion, while others are awaiting procurement after the design phase.
In Kisumu East, construction of Mowlem Market is 12 percent complete. The Sh58.8m project will provide trading space for around 300 traders.A second market at Mamboleo, estimated to cost Sh70m, is yet to begin construction.
Designs have been completed and the project is awaiting procurement.In Kisumu West, Kisian and Holo markets are both 98 percent complete.
Each has received Sh58.8m in government funding and will accommodate about 300 traders.
Kisian Market is located along the Kenya-Uganda transport corridor and is expected to support cross-border trade.
Plans to build Dago Market have been delayed after the government terminated the contractor’s contract.
The Sh70m project is expected to be re-advertised, although no reason has been given for the termination.In Muhoroni Sub-county, construction of Muhoroni Market is 18 percent complete.
The Sh58.8m facility is expected to benefit traders operating along the Kisumu-Kericho border.Four additional markets are planned in Muhoroni at Masogo/Kibigori, Kopere, Koru and Miwani. Each has been allocated Sh70m.
The designs have been completed and procurement is expected to begin soon.In Nyakach, Nyakwere Market is also planned at a cost of Sh70m.
The project has completed the design stage and is awaiting procurement.Construction of Kaloka Market in Seme Sub-county is 18 percent complete.
The Sh63.5m project will also accommodate around 300 traders.Kombewa Market has been delayed after the termination of the initial construction contract.
The Sh70m project is expected to be re-advertised for a new contractor.
Another planned market at Daraja Mbili in Seme has completed the design stage and is awaiting procurement. It has been allocated Sh70m.
Speaking during an inspection of the projects, Principal Secretary for Internal Security Dr Raymond Omollo said the markets were part of the government’s efforts to improve trading conditions for small-scale businesses.
“The aim of the government is to give our small-scale traders a place to trade with ease,” he said.
He said the new facilities would improve hygiene and safety, attract more customers and help reduce losses linked to poor market infrastructure.
Once completed, the 14 markets are expected to support thousands of traders across Kisumu County and strengthen local and regional trade.
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