At least 500 workers, most of them local youth, have been employed in the construction of the Embu Modern Market, as the government accelerates its market infrastructure programme across the country.

The four-storey market, which is now 67 per cent complete, has become one of the largest ongoing public infrastructure projects in Embu County, drawing masons, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, engineers and other skilled and unskilled labourers from surrounding areas.

Site engineer Bernard Khaemba said the project reached a peak workforce of about 500 people during the most intensive phase of construction.

“We are using mainly locals. The project has created jobs for many young people who previously had no source of income,” he said during an interview at the site.

Khaemba noted that the government’s ongoing investment in modern markets, affordable housing and roads had also increased demand for professionals in the construction sector, including engineers, architects, quantity surveyors and project managers.

“Many construction experts are getting absorbed into these projects very quickly because there are several government-funded developments happening across the country,” he said.

Beyond employment, residents say the project has started reshaping the local economy, with some linking the increased economic activity to reduced crime and idleness among young people.

The Embu Modern Market is designed to replace overcrowded and poorly serviced trading spaces that have long characterised many urban markets in Kenya.

Once complete, the facility will feature modern stalls and shops, food courts, improved sanitation facilities, ICT and internet infrastructure, meeting rooms, cold storage facilities, breastfeeding rooms for lactating mothers and children’s play areas.

Khaemba said the design aims to provide traders with a cleaner and more dignified working environment.

“For years, markets have been associated with congestion and poor sanitation. This project is changing that by creating an organised and safe business environment,” he said.

The market also includes refrigeration facilities expected to benefit traders dealing in perishable goods by reducing spoilage and extending storage time.

Local trader Esther Wambui Kariuki said the new market could transform business in Embu by bringing traders together under one roof.

“This market is spacious and organised. Traders who had been moved to other places will now operate in one location, which will improve business because customers will find everything in one area,” she said.

She added that cold storage facilities would especially help small-scale traders selling vegetables, fruits and other perishables.

“In the old market, goods would spoil quickly, but now traders will have better storage facilities and improved working conditions,” she said.

The market is part of the government’s nationwide modern market programme aimed at improving trading spaces for small-scale businesses while supporting job creation through public infrastructure projects.