The Trans Nzoia County government has unveiled plans to construct a state-of-the-art market in Kiminini, marking a significant step towards boosting the local economy and improving the livelihoods of residents. The project, valued at 300 million shillings, is a collaborative effort between the county government and the National Government’s State Department of Housing and Urban Development.
During a site identification meeting, County Executive Committee (CEC) for Lands, Physical Planning, Housing, and Urban Development, Janerose Nasimiyu Mutama, reaffirmed the county’s dedication to fulfilling Governor George Natembeya’s campaign promise to serve the people of Trans Nzoia and Kiminini. The new market will offer a modern, conducive trading environment for the community and is expected to stimulate local commerce.
“We are committed to working with both county and national government agencies to ensure that the market’s construction is completed on time,” said CEC Nasimiyu. She assured the community that the project has been well-planned and approved, with provisions for the relocation of necessary utilities.
Nasimiyu also highlighted the community’s involvement in the planning process, noting that their suggestions had been carefully considered. However, she acknowledged that the current market layout may need adjustments to accommodate the new infrastructure, suggesting the use of nearby public land for essential facilities.
The CEC revealed that the integrated plan for Kiminini had been completed, approved, and endorsed by the governor. The next step is the gazettement of the plan, which will pave the way for forming the Kiminini Town Management Committee to spearhead further development and eventually upgrade Kiminini to municipal status.
In response to concerns about displacement due to construction, Nasimiyu assured residents that those affected would be registered and given priority once the market is completed. She emphasized that the county government is committed to minimizing disruptions to the livelihoods of local traders.
Richard Tuta, Regional Representative of the State Department of Housing and Urban Development, explained that the department is establishing four types of markets across the country, ranging from small-scale economic stimulus projects to large-scale international markets. Tuta urged residents to embrace the project, even if it requires temporary relocation, for the long-term benefit of future generations.
Deputy County Secretary George Kisaka echoed this sentiment, urging the Kiminini community to support Governor Natembeya’s development efforts. He emphasized the economic benefits that the new market would bring, particularly for local farmers and traders.
The Kiminini market project is expected to have a profound impact on the local economy, providing a modern, efficient trading hub for residents and businesses in the region. With improved infrastructure and facilities, the market is poised to become a key driver of economic growth in Trans Nzoia.
Accompanying CEC Nasimiyu at the site were sub-county physical planners Kenneth Lang’at, County Surveyor Peter Mutange, Ward Administrator Protus Wanyama, and Susan Wandukusi. They were joined by State Department officials, including Eng. Gilbert Bett, Daniel Nyaigo, Peter Langat, and Trans Nzoia Director of Housing and Urban Development Moses Owuor.
The market’s construction promises to transform Kiminini, making it a vital commercial center in the region while uplifting the living standards of its residents.
