Multi-million Migori town modern market 75% done, over 1k traders to benefit- AYACKO

January 23, 2025 - Business - no comments

BY MANUEL ODENY

Migori governor Ochillo Ayacko addressing traders in the Suna Marindi market in Migori town

Migori town traders are waiting with anticipation the completion of the multimillion modern market construction which will end congestion in the county.

Migori county governor Ochillo Ayacko and officials from the devolved unit, contractors and representatives of traders visited the Suna Marindi Market to check on the progress of the construction.

“We are happy with the progress of the work and the county government picked the project as among those which will help boost trade between Kenya and Tanzania,” Ayacko said.

Ayacko said the construction of the market which saw traders moved have created congestion in Migori town and its completion will ease transport in the town.

“As a county we picked the market to change trade which never happened in the last decade or devolution, we are keen in ensuring completion on time,” Ayacko said.

The governor told traders that functions of markets have been devolved and Migori has been liasing with the national government for the smooth completion of the project.

“We have politicians who think they can pick up their careers with this project, but we are happy the completion will be done and residents will benefit,” Ayacko.

The market is strategically located within Migori town and was mapped out as among projects that accompanied the Sh9.5billion improvement of Ahero-Kisii-Isebania road.

“We were kin as a county to have the market in Migori as part of international trade route,” Ayacko said.

“I am pleased with the remarkable progress made so far, as significant milestones have already been achieved,” Ayacko said.

Part of the market work still in progress

Data from the county government showed that 75 per cent of the market has been done with the project being financed by the African Development Fund/European Union and Government of Kenya with Migori offering land and political support.

The project is part of Kenya National Highway Authority (KNHA) which was designed by Egis International with the contractor being M/S China Henan International Cooperation Group Limited.

So far 1,050 stalls will be done, four gates and control points, service yards for lorries to park, a rump, 4 block men and female toilets among others.

“We will have stalls which cover food, clothes, cafeteria and general business,” Betty Samburu, county trade executive said.

“We have reached this far because of commitment by the governor, we will transform the town,” Samburu said.

She said the market will be complimented by Namba Junction, Ombo and Soko Mjinga markets which will open trade in the town.

“We are done with the flooring, as we speak we are roofing and soon stalls will be done,” she said.

Millicent Akinyi, a trader said they welcome the support by Ayacko and the county government to push through the the completion of the project.

“We also having meetings with county government since the project started, to get alternative sites to have our plights addressed as the project has been ongoing,” Akinyi.

Alcent Odero, a trader said county department of trade have been keen in having their leadership involved in the project.