Kitale is on the brink of a historic transformation with the completion of the Railway Fresh Produce Market, a landmark initiative set to redefine trade dynamics in Trans Nzoia County. Built as a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project through a partnership between the national government and Trans Nzoia County Government, this modern market promises dignity, space, and opportunity for the county’s small-scale traders.
With a funding injection of Ksh. 100 million from the national government and a 2.5-acre land donation from the county, the new facility not only restores displaced livelihoods but also lays the groundwork for future economic empowerment. The traders who once operated at the now-cleared Chanuka Market, displaced by the construction of the Kitale-Suam One-Stop Border Point, will now have a secure and structured environment to thrive.
🛠️ From Groundbreaking to Completion: A Symbol of Resilience
Speaking at the groundbreaking on November 5, 2022, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya underscored the market’s deeper significance:
“This market is more than just a structure; it’s a symbol of resilience and opportunity for our people,” he remarked.
As it nears its official handover to the county government, the Railway Market is poised to become home to over 1,500 traders, offering a clean, secure, and efficient space for commerce.
🏙️ Decongesting Town, Dignifying Trade
According to Mr. Omar Ndiema, Trans Nzoia’s Chief Officer for Trade and Industrialization, the new market will have a ripple effect on Kitale’s urban organization and business climate:
“This is a significant step toward reorganizing trade in Kitale. Traders who have been operating along the streets will now have a proper, secure place to run their businesses, and the town will regain its orderly charm,” he said.
Mr. Ndiema emphasized the importance of cooperation from traders during the transition phase and urged them to support the initiative, which seeks not just to reorganize Kitale town but to uplift the lives of small-scale business owners.
📍 Beyond Kitale: A County-Wide Market Development Plan
The Railway Market is just the beginning. Chief Officer Ndiema also announced plans to operationalize the Msinde Muliro Market, another major trading center nearing completion. This will further ease congestion and provide additional trading spaces, signaling a county-wide effort to formalize and strengthen local commerce.
“This initiative is not just about Kitale town. As a department, we aim to operationalize all markets constructed at the ward and sub-county levels,” said Ndiema. “This will provide business hubs across the county, boosting local economies and providing a conducive environment for trade to thrive.”
💼 A New Dawn for Business in Trans Nzoia
As the new market nears launch, the county government is reaffirming its commitment to business development, increased revenue collection, and economic growth.
“We are working tirelessly to create the right environment for businesses to flourish, ensuring the people of Trans Nzoia have the tools they need to thrive economically,” Mr. Ndiema concluded.
The Railway Fresh Produce Market is more than infrastructure—it’s a turning point for Kitale’s traders and a beacon of progress for Trans Nzoia County’s economy.
