Embu: The construction of the Sh1.04 billion Ultramodern Market in Embu Town by the National Government has revived hope for thousands of traders who will get a more conducive working environment. The three-story market designed to accommodate approximately 3,000 traders is 45 percent complete according to the technical working team.
According to Kenya News Agency, the market is set to be completed by the end of 2026, with the County Government undertaking the supervisory role exuding confidence that it could even be completed before the due date, given the pace of work. The market, touted to be the largest in the region, was initially allocated Sh. 900 Million, which was reviewed upwards to Sh. 1.04 billion to expand it further.
Among key installations to be put in place to ease the way of doing business will be luggage loading, offloading, and sorting areas, along with elevators for traders, buyers, and goods. It is also expected to have other amenities, including lactation rooms for breastfeeding mothers and daycare facilities for young children, allowing parents to work without worrying about the safety of their young ones.
“This is a mega project that will not only accommodate more traders but also stimulate trade and create more employment opportunities,” said Lands, Mining, Housing, Physical Planning and Urban Development CECM Raymond Kinyua. He emphasized that the significance of the market extends beyond the physical structure, as it is poised to become a regional business hub not only in Embu but also in other neighboring counties, which will stabilize prices for consumer goods while providing suppliers with a reliable point of sale.
The market also comes as a relief to hundreds of traders who have endured poor conditions at the old facility that used to sit at the construction site. Currently relocated at a temporary site by the County Government, traders lauded the progress of the works, saying it was a fulfillment of the promise made to them by the government. “The progress is good, and we are glad that it will accommodate all of us,” said cereals trader Gladys Mbogo.
The traders’ Chair, David Ndwiga, outlined the numerous benefits the new market will bring, including streamlining operations due to its size, enhancing hygiene, and making doing business easier and more efficient for both traders and sellers. “The new market is set to replace scattered, informal stalls with a modern, centralized complex that reflects progress and forward-thinking governance,” he said.
Socially, the project has contributed to the reduction of unemployment, especially among the youth and women, by creating jobs for over 300 locals offering both skilled and unskilled labor. Maureen Karimi, who is undertaking a water curing task for wet concrete, said she no longer struggles to place a meal on the table as she used to. Another worker, Cyrus Nyaga, who performs masonry work, stated that the market has provided him with a steady flow of income to feed and educate his children.