Chuka market grocery traders’ chairman Linus Ndulu during an interview at his stall. He has expressed optimism about the future of small scale trader in the country following the heavy investment by the government/COURTESYVegetable vendors in Chuka are over the moon after President William Ruto officially handed over the Chuka Modern Market, aligning them with the broader national Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.
The market is designed to accommodate slightly more than 400 traders.
While addressing locals in Chuka Town last week, President Ruto announced that the government is building ten modern markets in Tharaka Nithi County.
“I promised Kenyans that we are going to transform the lives of Mama Mboga by providing them with a dignified space equipped with storage facilities, clean water and cold rooms,” President Ruto said.
“We came here and pledged to build a modern market for you and as you all know a promise is a debt and the cure is to pay and that is what we have done today,” he said.
Led by groceries section chairman, Linus Ndulu, the traders said that they expect their businesses to flourish since they will be operating in a well secured market equipped with proper storage facilities, sanitation and organized trading spaces among others.
“The stalls are good and up to standard and the people of Marigiti who were moved will now come back to a new good place. Since the new market is spacious and my request is they have more traders in and we will appreciate it,” said Ndulu.
“The new market is good because it is clean and secure for traders to keep their goods. Previously, there was insecurity in the market. This new market will curb insecurity and both the traders and buyers can move freely because there is enough space; there is no congestion in the market,” he affirmed.
He said that the new market is big enough to accommodate a big number of traders, adding that it is also well designed.
“We urge the government to continue with development projects that will create job opportunities for people helping them sustain their livelihoods,” he remarked.
Lucy Mbaka, a tailor at the Marigiti Market, shared his sentiments, saying: “We are seeing growth and developments going on in Tharaka Nithi.
Construction of the market will help many people doing small businesses and we are nicknaming Marigiti Affordable Housing because it is going to accommodate all of us.”
Noting that the old market was congested and “inhabitable,” Mbaka said President Ruto had delivered his promise to Mama Mboga since they will now be doing business in a dignified space.
“Marigiti has changed because of this project, since cleanliness is next to Godliness so our lives will improve because we need clean water and also a clean environment,” she said, adding: “Before the new market was constructed it was very dirty and it was hard for traders. We appreciate the good effort the government has put in and we fully support them.”
“We are very thankful for what he has done for the people of Marigiti. He is focused on development projects aligning with his Bottom Up Economic Model. We are happy to support him together with his Deputy President Kithure Kindiki who is from our county of Tharaka Nithi,” she continued.
