The construction of the Ksh400 million Karuri Modern Market in Kiambaa Constituency stalled for four months following a stalemate between the National Government and the Kiambu County Government.
Displaced traders have been forced to operate in open-air conditions, severely damaging their daily livelihoods, reducing sales, and prompting several to temporarily close their businesses.
Facing poor working conditions under the scorching sun and the threat of upcoming El Niño rains, local leaders sought executive intervention to resolve intergovernmental friction and resume work on the presidential
development project.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has ordered the immediate resumption of construction works at the Ksh400 million Karuri Modern Market in Kiambaa, bringing an end to a four-month deadlock between the National
Government and the County Government of Kiambu.
The DP’s directive followed a passionate appeal by Kiambaa MP Njuguna Kawanjiku during an inspection tour of local development projects in Banana Shopping Centre. MP Kawanjiku raised concerns that despite the National Government allocating and releasing the Ksh400 million through the Deputy President’s office, the county administration remained hesitant to execute the project.
Addressing the public, DP Kindiki emphasized that no leader or institution possesses the authority to derail state-sanctioned initiatives. He warned against letting political differences stand in the way of development, noting that market projects are direct campaign pledges and priority initiatives spearheaded by the President to transform trade nationwide.
“These are the pledges we made to Kenyans while campaigning, and we will not allow anybody to derail any project due to political
differences,” warned DP Kindiki.
To guarantee immediate progress, the Deputy President directed MP Kawanjiku to organize a representative team of market stakeholders for a roundtable meeting at his office to establish a clear roadmap for swift implementation.
MP Kawanjiku clarified that his urgency was driven strictly by the welfare of his constituents rather than municipal revenue distribution. He expressed concern over the harsh conditions traders currently endure, particularly the exposure to intense heat and the imminent risk posed by projected El Niño rains. Affected traders confirmed that operating outside the facility has drastically reduced foot traffic and revenue, forcing many to shut down operations.
Defending the local administration, Karuri Area MCA Peter Wainaina clarified that the delay stemmed merely from technical adjustments regarding Bills of Quantities (BQs), which have since been resolved.
He confirmed that Phase 1 of the market structure is already complete, assuring traders that Phase 2 will commence next week to allow prompt handover and seamless business operations
