Over 1,000 traders at the famous Kangangi Market in the heart of Kiambu town are now set to relocate to pave way for the construction of a new modern market that is set to accommodate more than 3,000 traders after its completion slated for next year. This came out after a public participation meeting convened by both the County and National Government officials.
They gave an update that the market, set to cost 500 million shillings, had been approved and the contractor had been given the green light and a commitment to begin the work in a week’s time. Addressing the traders, Kiambu township Member of County Assembly (MCA) Francis Koina said the proposed market, a modernised one, will have a basement parking, two floors, and a rooftop for those who want to rest and pass time.
Koina noted that Kiambu town, being one of the first beneficiaries, could not afford to miss the chance as the funds could be channeled to other towns where the traders were adamant to move out. Consequently, the traders, through their leaders, have agreed to move out on condition they are allocated a place to conduct their businesses.
On this one, Koina said that plans had been put forward to ensure that the traders had space just outside the market and enhance a smooth transition so that they could carry out their businesses. “I want to assure all you that we have made the necessary arrangements to ensure that none of you will miss a place to conduct your businesses. Governor Kimani Wamatangi has assured that his government will also provide materials for roofing and any other items that could be of importance,” Koina added.
Further, he assured that, with the completion of the market, breastfeeding mothers will have their place because there had been a special place to be constructed purposely for them and other young children who accompany them to their businesses. Despite having essential amenities like toilets, water, which has been lacking in the current market, will be readily available with the MCA confirming that its source was also factored by the contractor.
Koina further disclosed that 80 percent of workers on the site will be youths from Kiambu, saying they will not import any labour from outside. “I want to state categorically that, except for the technical parts, those to be hired will be specifically from Kiambu and I urge our youths to turn out in large numbers to secure this chance,” the MCA further said.
The market construction is expected to take exactly one year, whereafter completion it will be handed over to the County Government as required by law for its management. Speaking at the same time, Ndiba Thande, who is in charge of public participation, said the Governor Kimani Wamatangi had waived off any fees they were to pay and would not be charged anything as licence or daily fees.
For the year they will be operating, neither would they be harassed by any county official. He also added that, due to the ‘disturbance’ arising from relocating, they will be given stipends to help them start up their businesses, saying the County Government was committed to ensuring a steady transition. Currently, the traders have begun in earnest marking their plots which they will be allocated in the existing available spaces.
