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The national government plans to revive the abandoned multi-million-shilling markets which were constructed under the economic stimulus programme over a decade ago.

Johana Ng’eno, the parliamentary chairperson on housing and public works committee disclosed that the national government has allocated some funds for the rehabilitation and renovation of the markets that stalled between 2008 and 2012 to make them usable by the traders.

Speaking during a tour of Murang’a County, Ng’eno said majority of the markets which were being done to a tune of Sh10 million turned out to be white elephant projects and they were abandoned and vandalised because they were not being used.

He also said some of the markets were left incomplete but there are plans to have them completed. The markets were part of the programme by the government to help boost the economic growth towards long-term development.\

Ng’eno pointed out that lack of proper public participation led to the abandonment of the markets as traders were not consulted on where and how they would like them done.

He also said the design of the markets was also a challenge which made the traders reject them and opt for roadside kiosks. “In some of the areas we have visited the traders claimed not to have been involved in the establishment of the market for them to give the preferred location and design which would suit them” Ng’eno remarked.

“The government has allocated some funds for the renovations of these markets so that they can be used by the traders in their respective areas” he added.

The chairperson said once completed the market facilities will be handed over to the county governments to allocate the stalls to the traders.

In Murang’a, the market constructed under ESP is in Maragua but have never been used by the traders who cited the long distance from the main road and Maragua town which is their catchment area.
During the visit members of the committee also inspected Kanyenyaini Muthithi and Kangari markets which are under construction. Governor Irungu Kang’ata said the county has embarked on upgrading of the local markets to create a conducive environment for the traders.

The upgrade includes installation of flood lights, roofing and rehabilitation of the roads leading to the markets.

“In the current financial year, we have set aside money to upgrade markets so as to give our traders a conducive environment to conduct their businesses. Some of the markets that are being upgraded include Ithiru, Kihoya, Kambit, and Ichichi.