Traders at Makutano town in Mbeere South, Embu county, are urging the government to fast-track completion of the modern Makutano market.

They say delays have left them exposed to danger and disrupted livelihoods. The traders say the facility, whose construction began in 2024 and is now more than 90 per cent complete, has stalled, forcing them to continue operating along the busy Embu–Mwea–Nairobi highway.

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“We are risking our lives every day because we have no alternative place to sell,” said tomato trader Nduta Wangare.

She said traders vacated their original spaces and erected temporary structures to pave the way for construction, but have since been left exposed to speeding vehicles and harsh weather.

The situation is worsened by the lack of barriers and heavy congestion, particularly in the morning when miraa transport vehicles speed through the area.

“We are even forced to keep moving our goods further away from the road because of the speeding vehicles,” she added.

Traders say the delays have cut into their income and are calling for urgent completion of the project to enable relocation to a safer, more organised environment.

Makutano market is a key fresh produce hub in the region, especially for tomatoes, attracting traders from Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Nyeri and Nairobi.

Market official Paminus Wamwere said the facility is expected to transform the town into a vibrant commercial centre once complete.

He noted that the market will accommodate more than 700 traders and feature modern stalls, cold storage, proper sanitation and adequate parking to boost trade and reduce post-harvest losses.

The project is being implemented under the government’s Economic Stimulus Programme, which aims to roll out modern markets nationwide to support small-scale traders and agricultural value chains.

In Embu county, Makutano is among several markets earmarked for upgrade as part of efforts to stimulate economic activity and create jobs.

Wamwere said the delay is not only hurting businesses but also exposing traders to harassment.

“The government should speed up completion of this market so that traders can move in and operate in a safe and dignified environment,” he said.

Other ongoing projects in the county include the three-storey Sh1.04 billion Embu town market, expected to be completed by the end of the year, with 2,144 stalls, 450 shops, cargo lifts and a dispensary.

Runyenjes and Ishiara markets are also under construction to provide secure, hygienic trading spaces with cold storage and improved parking.

The new Makutano market in Mbeere South that is located near the Embu-Mwea highway/ ALICE WAITHERA