Traders and residents of Kapkwen in Chepalungu Sub-county, Bomet County, are expressing growing frustration over the stalled Kapkwen ESP Market project, which now stands as a symbol of unfulfilled promises and government neglect.
The market, initiated under the national Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP), was envisioned as a vital hub to support local businesses particularly women and youth by providing a clean, organized, and secure space for trade. However, months after the contractor abandoned the site, construction remains incomplete and the area lies in disrepair.
A walk through the site reveals a disheartening scene: heaps of unused construction materials, stagnant pools of water in open trenches, and unfinished walls braced by crumbling pillars. For traders like Mary Chebet, a local vegetable vendor, the sight is painful. “This project gave us hope. We thought we’d finally have a clean and organized place to sell our produce,” she said. “Now look at it just mud, water, and wasted cement. We feel forgotten.”
Residents say the incomplete market has not only deprived them of a vital trading space but also dashed hopes for improved sanitation, better security, and increased employment opportunities in the area. David Langat, a boda boda operator, lamented, “The contractor vanished months ago without notice. They left behind piles of sand and iron sheets. No explanation, no progress.”
Local leaders are now demanding accountability and swift action to revive the project. Kiprotich Sang, a community elder, stressed, “This is not just a construction failure—it’s a blow to livelihoods. Traders deserve a roof over their heads, and our youth need jobs. Government programs must be completed.”
A local political leader echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the socio-economic impact of the delay. “This is a denial of Mama Mboga’s right to a dignified workspace. The contractor must either return to the site or prepare to ship out. There’s no room for mediocrity when people’s lives are at stake.”
As frustration grows, residents are calling on the county and national governments to intervene and ensure that the Kapkwen ESP Market project is completed without further delay.
