On the muddy grounds of Iten market, where rain often turns trading into a struggle and makeshift stalls barely protect goods from the elements, traders like Anita Chelagat Kurgat have long endured harsh conditions in silence and resilience.

But change is slowly taking shape in the heart of Iten town, Keiyo North, Elgeyo Marakwet County, where the new Iten Modern Market is rising, and with it, hope for a more dignified working future.

Kurgat, a trader at the current market, sees the ongoing construction as a long-awaited shift from struggle to a dignified working space.

“This new market being built will help us a lot,” she said. “For many years, we have stayed in a market that is not clean. We have worked under poor shelters, mud and heavy rain. But now what is being built will help us because they are building us a modern market with everything. There will be cleanliness, water, cement floors, and we will not walk in mud.”

She says the project is already changing how traders view their work environment, especially because it is centrally located in Iten town and is expected to redefine the town’s image.

“This market has helped us a lot because it is in the middle of town. It will change the face of Iten, and it will look like the headquarters town of Elgeyo Marakwet,” she said.

For many traders, regular visits to the construction site have become routine as they monitor progress on what they believe will transform their daily lives.

“We come to see the progress because we know this thing is coming to help us and benefit us,” she added.

A key concern for traders has been the loss of goods due to a lack of proper storage, especially for those dealing in perishable items. Kurgat says the inclusion of cold rooms in the new design offers relief.

“We need them to build something of quality that can accommodate everyone and help us as women because some of us sell perishable and non-perishable goods. It has a cold room where goods can stay for a long time,” she said.

“If there is no market that day, it will preserve our goods until we get buyers later.”

The project also introduces social amenities that many traders say will make a big difference, especially for mothers. A designated crèche and breastfeeding spaces have been included in the design.

“There is a place set aside where children will be fed and changed. A child will get a clean place and a mother will get a clean place to breastfeed,” she said.

“At least she (the mother) will be away from the market crowd. Some people feel shy breastfeeding in front of others, so it is good that a special place has been set aside.”

According to the latest progress report dated April 16, 2026, the Iten Modern Market stands at 30.5 per cent completion.

The facility includes stalls, cold rooms, food courts, offices, salons, prayer rooms, ICT facilities and ablution blocks, and is designed to accommodate about 750 traders.

“The ultra-modern facility has been designed to support trade, safety and growth. It provides secure, well-planned stalls and cold storage rooms to protect farmers’ perishable goods, alongside parking space for 60 vehicles to enhance accessibility and customer convenience. Social amenities include a lactation room for nursing mothers, a social hall and modern ablution blocks to ensure comfort and hygiene,” says Interior PS Raymond Omollo.

“To align with evolving business needs, the market also integrates digital and financial services through an ICT hub, designated financial service points including an ATM lobby and SACCO offices, as well as a food court to stimulate enterprise within the enterprise.”

Clerk of Works Philemon Koech says the project aims to decongest the current overcrowded market, where more than 1,200 traders operate in poor conditions.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has assured Mama Mboga and other small-scale traders that the government is accelerating the construction of modern markets and provision of grants in a bid to boost their businesses and raise income.

The deputy president said the modern markets under construction across the country are in line with the realisation of the administration’s Bottom Up Economic Transformation Agenda.

“These markets will be more than just trading spaces. They will include well-structured stalls, ICT hubs to support digital trade and online works, cold rooms for storage of fresh produce, and even daycare facilities for mothers with young children,” stated Kindiki.

“We want to ensure that our traders, especially women, have a safe, clean, and supportive environment to grow their businesses.”

With the government rolling out empowerment programs to boost Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises countrywide, the DP encouraged the women to take advantage of them by registering groups for easier funding.