Garissa Town MP unveils Sh300m modern market project

Tusker rally past Ulinzi to reach FKF Cup semifinals as Nairobi United bow out Football

Red hot Omanyala to orchestrate Kenya's 4x100m charge at World Relays today Athletics

Garissa Township MP Dekow Mohamed on Monday visited Suuq Mugdi Market, where he engaged traders and unveiled plans for a Sh300 million modern multi-storey market aimed at transforming trade in the area.

Addressing traders during the visit, the MP announced that the project is fully funded and ready to move into the construction phase.

“The budget has already been allocated and the contractor awarded. Construction will commence in the coming months,” Dekow said.

The proposed market will feature modern stalls, enhanced safety systems and well-organised trading spaces.

According to the MP, the facility is designed to address long-standing challenges faced by traders, including congestion and recurrent fire outbreaks that have repeatedly destroyed livelihoods.

“This project will provide a safer and more sustainable foundation for business growth in Suuq Mugdi and across the wider constituency,” he added.

Dekow also revealed that the municipal market, which will accommodate hundreds of traders, is nearing completion and will be officially launched soon. He said the two projects represent a major milestone in strengthening local trade and boosting Garissa town’s economy.

“Securing two modern markets demonstrates our commitment to improving business infrastructure and creating better opportunities for traders throughout the constituency,” he said.

The MP was accompanied by Area MCA and Minority Leader Hussein Dagane, Nominated MCA Abdikadir Dubat and Aden Durow.

Suuq Mugdi market has suffered multiple fire incidents over the years, with the most recent blaze in June being the sixth since 2010.

While the exact causes of the fires have not been conclusively established, they are largely suspected to result from electrical faults, arson, or fires originating from eateries.

The June inferno caused massive losses to traders. In October last year, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale led a resource-mobilisation drive to support small-scale traders affected by the fire.

A total of Sh23.5 million was raised to assist more than 4,000 traders impacted by the blaze.

During the event, Kindiki reiterated the government’s commitment to equitable development in Northern Kenya and emphasised the importance of transparency to ensure support reaches the actual victims, addressing public concerns over fairness in the distribution of aid.