Construction of the Nyeri Modern Market has reached 61 per cent, with the project entering its final construction and finishing stages as the Government steps up investment in infrastructure to support trade and local economic activity.
The modern facility is expected to accommodate about 750 traders and provide a more organised trading environment for businesses currently operating in a congested parking area.
“We are at 61 per cent completion. We are done mostly with the substructure and superstructure. Now we are doing the walling and the general finishes that are left,” said Rex Shiano, the Inspector of Works.
The project is designed to address challenges associated with the existing trading environment, where traders operate largely from a parking lot exposed to dust, vehicle traffic and congestion.
The development is also generating employment and skills opportunities during construction, with between 35 and 45 workers engaged on site each day.
Women and young people are among those benefiting from the employment and training opportunities created at the site.
For Lucy Maingi, a casual worker on the project and a Building and Construction graduate of Nyeri Technical, the development is providing an opportunity to put her skills into practice while earning an income.
Constituency and notes that fellow youth are enjoying the fruits of their work at the sites.
She said the emergence of new infrastructure projects in the area, including affordable housing and road construction, is creating additional opportunities for skilled workers.
“Here, we are looking forward to better things and shiny things all the way. The old market is being replaced, and we appreciate having a new, modern market. We have been given a smart market, and everyone is proud to come here,” said Maingi.
Shiano said the project is progressing well and is projected to be completed within the next three to four months.
Upon completion, the facility is expected to ease pressure on existing trading spaces, improve the environment in which traders conduct business and provide customers with a cleaner and more accessible market.
The project adds to a growing portfolio of infrastructure developments in Nyeri aimed at expanding economic opportunities, improving public facilities and creating spaces where local businesses can grow.
For traders and residents, the new market is expected to mark a shift from informal and congested trading conditions to a modern, purpose-built commercial facility.
