Thousands of traders across Murang’a county have welcomed President William Ruto ahead of his two-day tour.

During the tour, the President is expected to inspect 17 development projects, including markets, roads and affordable housing units.

Among the key sites is Kangari modern market, where chairperson Mary Muthoni said more than 630 traders are eagerly awaiting its completion to move away from roadside vending, which she said exposes them and pedestrians to danger.

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The Sh340 million three-storey market, whose construction began in 2021, is designed as an aggregation centre for agricultural produce.

This enables small-scale farmers to access reliable export markets. It will also house meeting halls, a restaurant, offices and cold rooms.

However, Muthoni appealed for the completion of the remaining works before the facility is commissioned, including installation of cold rooms, a generator and street lighting around the market to enhance security.

She also urged the government to fast-track the completion of the Kangari–Kinyona–Njabini road linking Murang’a to Nyandarua county. The MP said it would ease the transport of produce and boost inter-county trade.

The road, initiated under the Jubilee administration as part of the Mau Mau roads programme, has stalled.

She further called on the county government to ensure fair allocation of stalls to genuine traders to avoid conflicts.

Trader Stephen Kimari also urged authorities to introduce regulations prohibiting street vending to ensure full utilisation of the market.

In Ng’araria, Kandara constituency, traders expressed optimism that a new one-storey facility would finally end years of operating in poor conditions. Susan Wanjiru said the current market becomes muddy during rains and dusty during dry seasons, raising health concerns.

Milkah Wairimu said the modern facility would improve sanitation and access to clean water but insisted stalls should be allocated directly to traders to prevent subletting.

“We just ask that they ensure the stalls are not given to people who will then rent them out. Let them be given to us,” she said.

Elsewhere, construction is underway on a Sh366 million modern market near Kabati police station in Kabati town, which will accommodate about 1,000 traders and include cold storage facilities.

Local mason Njenga Irungu said the project had transformed his livelihood after a period of unemployment, enabling him to earn about Sh1,200 daily.

“My life has greatly improved since the project started. I’m able to support my family and I know I’ll be somewhere when it’s completed,” he said.

Boda boda operator Samson Ndung’u noted that the project has boosted the local economy by engaging youth and increasing cash flow in the town.

He added that once completed, transporters would benefit from increased business as traders move goods to the market. The government is currently implementing 25 market projects across the agriculturally rich county.