NAIROBI, Kenya, Sept 30 – Samuel Maina Kimunya is gaining practical carpentry skills and earning an income while working on the construction of the Nyeri Modern Market in Rware Ward.

A former student at Thika Technical, Kimunya now works as a carpenter on the project, where he has expanded his skills in carpentry, setting out and interpretation of construction drawings.

“I have learnt a lot. I’m doing carpentry,” he says.

Kimunya says the project has enabled him to acquire practical skills while earning an income to support his family.

“I have gained skills in carpentry, setting, interpretation of drawings and many other things, and I am still earning money,” he says.

“I am helping my family still,” he adds.

Kimunya’s experience reflects the employment opportunities generated by the construction of the Nyeri Modern Market. According to the project brief, the development has created opportunities for skilled and unskilled workers within the locality.

Inspector of Works Rex Shiano says the project currently has about 35 to 45 workers on site each day, including plumbers, electricians, casual workers, masons and carpenters.

The project is at 61 per cent completion, according to Shiano, with substructure and superstructure works largely completed. Current works include walling and general finishes, with construction currently at the terrace level.

The project brief records physical progress at 70 per cent.

The Nyeri Modern Market is being developed as a trading facility designed to accommodate an average of 750 traders and provide spaces and supporting facilities to ease congestion in the existing market.

Shiano says the current trading area operates largely from a parking lot, creating the need for a dedicated trading space where traders can operate away from vehicles and dust.

The development includes bulk stores, cold stores and general trading spaces, as well as an ablution block, office spaces and store spaces for traders.

The project brief also identifies dedicated areas for fruits and vegetables, clothes and shoes, household goods, M-Pesa shops and other trading activities.

Supporting facilities include an ICT hub, social hall, children’s play area and waste management facilities.

The project is also intended to facilitate the relocation of traders from the bus terminal and provide additional trading space.

Shiano says the contractor also provides training opportunities for people who want to work, while women are among those working on the site.

For Kimunya, the combination of employment and practical training provides an opportunity for young people entering the workforce.

“I will tell my fellow young people, especially those who have just left school, to work hard, look for jobs and get skills,” he says.

The project brief identifies expanded trading space, employment opportunities and supporting facilities as part of the development’s anticipated contribution to Nyeri’s local economic activity.