The National Government is rolling out an ambitious market infrastructure programme across Kisumu County, with 14 ultra-modern markets under various stages of construction and planning through the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP).
The government-funded markets, being implemented by the State Department for Housing and Urban Development, are designed to empower Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), reduce post-harvest losses, improve hygiene standards and provide a dignified trading environment for thousands of small-scale traders.
In Kisumu East Sub-county, construction of the Mowlem Market is underway and has reached 12 per cent completion. The Sh58.8 million project will accommodate 300 traders upon completion.
The government has also earmarked Sh70 million for the construction of a modern market at Mamboleo Trading Centre. Although the project is yet to be advertised, designs have already been completed. The planned facility, which will also accommodate 300 traders, is expected to boost commerce along the busy Mamboleo-Miwani Road and benefit traders operating near the Kisumu-Nandi border.
In Kisumu West Sub-county, the Kisian Market is nearing completion at 98 per cent. The Sh58.8 million project will serve 300 traders and is expected to enhance trade along the Kenya-Uganda transport corridor.
Construction of the Holo Market in the same sub-county has also reached 98 per cent completion. The Sh58.8 million facility will provide modern trading space for another 300 traders.
However, the planned Dago Market project suffered a setback after the government terminated the initial construction contract. The Sh70 million project, which was expected to accommodate 300 traders, will now be re-advertised to allow procurement of a new contractor.
Muhoroni Sub-county is also set to benefit significantly from the programme. Construction of the Sh58.8 million Muhoroni Market has reached 18 per cent and will provide space for 300 traders once completed.
The government has further completed designs for the proposed Masogo/Kibigori, Kopere, Koru and Miwani markets. Each of the four projects has been allocated Sh70 million and will accommodate 300 traders after construction begins.
Nyakach Sub-county is set to receive the Nyakwere Market, a Sh70 million project whose designs are already complete. The facility, located along the Kisumu-Homa Bay border, will also accommodate 300 traders.
In Seme Sub-county, construction of the Kaloka Market is at 18 per cent. The Sh63.5 million project is expected to provide modern trading facilities for 300 traders.
Meanwhile, the government terminated the contract for the proposed Kombewa Market and announced plans to re-advertise the Sh70 million project.
The Daraja Mbili Market project in Seme has also been fully designed and is awaiting advertisement. The planned Sh70 million facility will serve 300 traders.
Speaking while monitoring the implementation of government projects, Principal Secretary for Internal Security Dr Raymond Omollo said the markets are part of the government’s broader plan to strengthen grassroots economies by creating modern, safe and efficient trading centres.
“The government aims to give our small-scale traders a place to trade with ease,” said Dr Omollo.
He added that the modern markets will provide traders with clean, organised and conducive business environments while stimulating economic growth across the county.
According to Dr Omollo, the facilities are expected to improve livelihoods by expanding market access for traders, reducing losses associated with poor storage and creating an enabling environment for business growth, particularly in border trading centres that connect Kisumu with neighbouring counties.
