Namanga: Market traders in the border town of Namanga will soon have a reason to smile as the construction of the Namanga Market nears completion. The project, being implemented under the Economic Stimulus Programme by the State Department of Housing and Urban Planning, is currently 60 percent complete and is expected to be ready for use by March 2025.
According to Kenya News Agency, Kajiado Governor Joseph ole Lenku expressed satisfaction with the progress during a development tour of the area. He commended the national government for supporting the county’s market development agenda. Governor Lenku thanked the President for awarding nine markets to the county under the Economic Stimulus Programme and mentioned that six more markets are in the pipeline. These markets aim to provide traders with a safe, clean, and organized environment to conduct their businesses.
Among the nine markets is the New Modern Market in Kitengela, which commenced construction in September this year. Governor Lenku urged contractors to work diligently to ensure the Namanga Market is completed on schedule. He highlighted Namanga’s strategic position along the Kenya-Tanzania border, emphasizing its significant untapped business potential due to inadequate infrastructure.
Governor Lenku acknowledged that devolved resources are still insufficient but affirmed the commitment to bringing development to Namanga and equitably sharing available resources. To enhance accessibility and boost business within the new market, the county government plans to relocate the bus park closer to the market. The governor revealed plans to fence and pave the area designated for the bus park with cabros.
Governor Lenku emphasized his vision for supporting urban growth and modernization in key towns like Namanga to accommodate the increasing population and business activity. During his visit, the governor also commissioned a solar-powered borehole to improve the town’s water supply, which will be reticulated to serve more residents within the border community. Additionally, he inaugurated new market stalls for traders selling Ushanga beadwork products to travelers between Kenya and Tanzania, providing a boost to local artisans and cross-border trade.