Listen to This Article Enhance your reading experience by listening to this article.

Traders in Gatundu South, Kiambu County are upbeat after the National Government began construction of a modern market at remote Mutati village.

 The government has already injected Sh 50 million into the construction of the market, according to the area MP Gabriel Kagombe.

 Kagombe who spoke during the ground breaking ceremony of the project noted that smallholder traders in the region will benefit with a conducive environment to trade their wares.

 The MP, who was accompanied by colleagues John Njuguna (Kiambaa), Njoroge Kururia (Gatundu North), John Machua (Kiambu), George Koimburi (Juja) and Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang’wa, said that the Economic Stimulus Project is taunted to turnaround the region’s economy.

 Kagombe reiterated that the project that is aimed at empowering traders in the region will go a long way alleviating joblessness noting that the project will create employment opportunities for area residents as well as provide a platform for traders to sell their commodities.

 “From this market, you will now have an opportunity to sell your farm produce with ease. You will no longer be required to travel miles to access other markets. This project also comes with great job opportunities for the locals, land value will have to be increased and we expect more returns in your pockets once it’s been fully completed and operationalized,” said Kagombe.

 Legislators present urged the projects’ contractor to ensure that locals benefit with employment opportunities brought by the project. They averred that youths struggling to secure jobs will benefit with the project.

 At the same time, MP Kagombe noted the market, once complete, will be handed over to the Kiambu County Government led by Governor Kimani Wamatangi for proper management.

 He quipped that all legitimate traders from the region will be allocated slots to sell their wares, including agricultural produce, which will in turn enhance their living standards.

 Traders led by Mary Njeri and Stanley Ngugi hailed the project as a shot-in-the-arm, noting that it will turnaround their fortunes.

 “The deplorable state of our current market has been forcing most of our clients to seek better services from markets in the neighboring Githunguri constituency markets in Kibichoi village.

 The clients will now be buying from us and this must be a good gesture by our government,” said Njeri.

She noted that besides broadening job opportunities for locals, and especially the youth, the market will enhance the region’s economy.

Meanwhile, the MP disbursed bursaries worth over Sh 20 million to needy students in Kiamwangi ward. The funds are part of the Sh 58 million the area National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) is disbursing to learners across the constituency.