Kagio town businesses pin hopes on Sh410 million infrastructure facelift

An aerial view of the modern market being constructed in Kagio town, Kirinyaga county./ALICE WAITHERA

Businesses in Kagio town, Kirinyaga county, are optimistic about renewed economic growth following major infrastructure upgrades and the construction of a modern market worth Sh410 million, fully funded by the national government.

The town has undergone a significant transformation after the completion of tarmacking works on key roads and improved drainage systems, projects valued at Sh100 million.

The upgrades have eased movement within the town, reduced dust and flooding, and improved access for traders, motorists and pedestrians.

In addition, construction is underway on a Sh310 million modern market, expected to become a major trading hub for fresh agricultural produce such as tomatoes, bananas and vegetables.

Once completed, the facility will strengthen Kagio’s role as a critical linkage point between farmers and buyers from Kirinyaga and neighbouring counties.

The local business community has welcomed the ongoing projects, saying they have already begun to restore confidence in the town’s economic prospects.

“Before the roads were improved, Kagio was extremely dusty and full of potholes. Many farmers and buyers were shifting to other towns. These projects have restored hope and dignity to our businesses,” trader Emmah Waithera said.

Waithera said the infrastructure upgrades have transformed the town into a more attractive commercial destination, with investors and vendors streaming in from all parts of the region.

Kagio is among the largest open-air markets in the Central region, historically attracting thousands of traders from counties such as Embu, Murang’a and Nyeri counties.

The market is supported by a flourishing agriculture sector in the county that ensures a steady supply of produce. Hoteliers and people hosting large events drive for kilometres to the market to acquire the fresh and often cheaper produce.

However, poor roads and the absence of a modern market had previously undermined its growth potential, forcing some traders and buyers to relocate to alternative trading centres.

Waithera said the modern market that is about 60 per cent complete will play a key role in decongesting the town, organising trade and creating new business opportunities for thousands of traders once completed.

Upgraded streets in Kagio town, Kirinyaga county./ALICE WAITHERA

Currently, traders sell their wares on roadsides, causing congestion along the Sagana-Kagio-Embu road and on the town’s streets.

The new market is being developed as a multi-storey facility with the capacity to accommodate more than 1,000 traders and is equipped with cold storage facilities, ICT hubs, and other modern amenities aimed at reducing post-harvest losses, improving trade efficiency and supporting value addition.

Trader Lucy Njeri said the higher number of people expected to trade in the market will significantly boost local businesses, translating in higher incomes for residents.

“When its complete, the traders and buyers will need places where they can have meals and enjoy drinks. This means our children will get more employment opportunities,” she said.

Njeri praised the national and county governments for upgrading the streets, making them more conducive for traders to vend their wares as they await the completion of the market.

Previously, Njeri said doing business in the town was hectic as vehicles would manoeuvre around potholes and sometimes splash muddy water onto their wares.

In dry seasons, the traders would contend with dusty streets that constantly gave them respiratory infections.

“Our streets have been paved and are now clean. Transport services have been eased and now we don’t have to struggle to restock our shops like before when motorists refused to venture off the main road,” Njeri added.

Edward Muriithi, a car wash operator, said the market guarantees a consistent supply of business for him, and expressed optimism that he will earn more once the market is opened.

“Our town will be neat. Vehicles will have enough parking spaces and the congestion will be controlled,” he said, expressing confidence that the town is on course to emerge as a key commercial and agribusiness hub in the Mt Kenya region.

The project forms part of the national government’s broader urban renewal and market modernisation programme, which seeks to boost local economies, improve food security and create employment, particularly in agriculturally productive regions.

During a tour of Kagio town last year, President William Ruto pledged to rehabilitate all major roads in the town and its environs, and oversee the construction of a modern market.

Residents and business owners have since praised the government for fulfilling the promise, saying they are optimistic the improved infrastructure will spur sustained economic growth.