Traders at the Kaiboi trading center in Mosop Sub County are optimistic that the Economic Stimulus Programme modern market nearing completion will transform business activities and improve their working environment once it becomes operational.

The facility, developed at a cost of Sh70.9 million and expected to accommodate about 400 traders, is being developed with a range of amenities aimed at supporting small-scale enterprises and enhancing the quality of services available to traders and consumers.

Trader Jane Jepchirchir said the modern market would provide a more secure, organized, and conducive environment for conducting business, while also giving traders an opportunity to expand their enterprises.

“We are happy to see the project nearing completion because it will give many traders a decent place to operate their businesses. The provision of electricity and running water will make our work much easier,” she said.

Another trader, Wilson Kiptoo, said the cold rooms would be particularly beneficial to traders dealing in fresh produce, meat, and other perishable commodities.

“Many traders have been losing goods because of poor storage facilities. The cold rooms will help us preserve our products for longer and reduce unnecessary losses,” he said.

The market is also equipped with an Information Communication Technology (ICT) hub, which traders said would enable them to access digital services and information while improving their ability to conduct modern business transactions.

Kiptoo said the ICT facility would be especially useful to youthful entrepreneurs seeking to market their products through digital platforms and access information on available business opportunities.

The traders also welcomed the provision of lactation rooms, saying the facility would make the market more friendly to women traders and customers with young children.

Mary Chebet, a mother and trader, said the lactation rooms would provide privacy and convenience to breastfeeding mothers who visit or work at the market.

“This is an important facility because many women multi-task doing business while taking care of their children. Having a dedicated lactation room will make it easier for mothers to continue working without compromising the needs of their babies,” she said.

The provision of running water and electricity is expected to improve hygiene, security, and the general operating environment within the market, while the cold rooms will help traders handling perishable goods to minimize losses.

Market office spaces are also expected to improve the administration and management of the facility by providing designated areas for county officials and other service providers.

Traders said the organized layout of the market would create a better shopping environment and could attract more customers from Mosop and neighbouring areas.

Trader Samuel Tanui said the facility would provide an opportunity for traders who have been operating in congested and poorly equipped spaces to establish more stable businesses.

“We expect more customers once the market opens because the environment will be attractive and convenient. This can help us increase sales and improve our livelihoods,” he said.

The market is part of efforts to strengthen local economic infrastructure and provide appropriate trading spaces for small and medium-scale enterprises.

As construction works enter the final stages, traders are looking forward to its completion and official opening, saying the combination of basic amenities and business-support facilities will give fresh impetus to commercial activities in the Sub County.

By Sammy Mwibanda