Excitement as new look Kibuye market phase one reopens
More than 3,000 traders at Kibuye Market in Kisumu are set to resume their businesses after the county completed construction of modern market stalls.
Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o yesterday graced the opening of the first phase of one of East Africa’s largest open-air market, months after demolition of old structures.
Last year, Kisumu County kicked off the modern construction of the Sh500 million Kibuye Market after demolishing more than 300 illegal structures.
Nyong’o assured the traders his administration would construct a new modern and spacious market stalls which meets the Covid-19 social distancing protocol.
“I am happy to be here to commission phase one of the complex that has cost Sh315 million in a record six months,’’ he said amid applause from traders.
He was flanked by Kisumu Acting City Manager Abala Wanga and Kisumu Central MP Fred Ouda.
The first phase involved construction of four ablution blocks, a wall (masonry and steel grating), roads, walkways, drainage, offloading and customer front parking.
It also includes sheds and warehouses for the wholesale market to cater for majority of traders who were moved to the parking bay at Moi Stadium, Kisumu.
Launched Phase 2
The completed phase is expected to accommodate about 3,000 traders and those who were displaced to give room for the construction will be given priority.
Nyong’o also launched Phase 2 of the market which will cost about Sh185 million and will take in additional 1,500 traders.
Several traders were happy with the developments. Trader Judith Matengo and Eric Otieno thanked the governor for underscoring the importance of SMEs.
The traders said micro firms and SMEs are significant due to their importance as key drivers of employment, economic growth and innovation.
–Kepher Otieno
