The newly completed Kamangu Market in Nachu Ward, Kikuyu Municipality, is now ready for occupation, marking yet another milestone in the county’s ongoing drive to provide traders with modern, dignified working spaces.

The ultra-modern market is expected to accommodate more than 200 traders, who will now carry out their businesses in a cleaner, safer and better-organized environment, replacing the congested and often makeshift stalls that many had operated from for years.

The facility is the latest in a series of market upgrades being rolled out across Kiambu County under the leadership of Governor Kimani Wamatangi, whose administration has prioritized improving trading infrastructure as a way of boosting local commerce and household incomes.

Residents and traders in Nachu Ward welcomed the completion of the market, saying it would not only ease congestion but also position Kamangu as a vibrant trading hub serving the wider Kikuyu Municipality.

Speaking on the development, County Executive Committee Member for Trade Susan Gatwiri said the market reflected the county’s commitment to improving the working conditions of traders.

“The completion of Kamangu Market is a promise kept to our traders. A dignified trading environment is the foundation of a thriving local economy, and we will continue investing in facilities that uplift our people,” she said.

She said the allocation of stalls would be handled fairly and transparently to ensure that the traders who have long operated in the area are given priority, adding that proper sanitation, water and secure storage had been factored into the design.

The county has in recent months commissioned and upgraded several markets as part of a broader strategy to decongest urban trading centres and create structured opportunities for small-scale entrepreneurs.

Officials said the modern facilities are also intended to strengthen revenue collection and improve food safety and hygiene standards in the county’s markets.

The county government reiterated its commitment to completing ongoing market projects and ensuring that residents across all wards benefit equitably from improved trading amenities.

by Kipkorir Felix and Grace Naishoo