Isiolo County has commenced the construction of a modern market aimed at boosting trade in the Northern Frontier counties.

Speaking on Thursday, the county boss Mohamed Kuti said the flagship project estimated to cost about Sh. 550million is set to reap big from the Lapsset project that is cutting across the county.

“My government is focused on improving the face of Isiolo town and the entire county so we can benefit from the government’s largest project that will also help in improve economy of this region,” added Kuti.

The governor said the three-storey building that will take about two years to complete, will at the same time help in transforming the lives of Isiolo residents especially the livestock farmers and traders.

“With Isiolo Airport and Lapsset project coming, my government is focused on taping all its commercial potential to attract more investors and traders,” said the governor.

The project will provide business space of an estimated 1,500 stalls complete with sanitization facilities and disability-friendly access points with the capacity of more than 10,000 persons.

“In the wake of empowering youths and women the project will also create employment for about 8,000 people and will benefit thousands of small and large scale traders upon completion,” added the county boss.

According to the traders, they are optimistic that the new market will provide a better business environment that will translate into improved income arguing that it will also attract even tourists visiting local wildlife parks.

“We are happy with the construction of this new market as it will provide a more clean working environment. The spacious stalls will help us display our products better and attract more customers leading to an increase in our incomes,” said Rebecca Ekiru a trader.

Kuti further added the modern market is in line with one of his big four agendas which focus on infrastructure, Water, Health and livestock development among others