The construction of the Chuka Modern Market in Tharaka Nithi County has reached 58 percent completion, marking a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to modernize market infrastructure and boost regional economies. The project, which commenced in October 2024, is already creating ripples of transformation in Chuka town and beyond.
According to Raymond Omollo, the Principal Secretary for the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, the three-tiered market is set to host 373 traders once complete. It will feature 254 stalls in the basement, 113 on the upper ground floor, and 6 on the first floor, providing structured, dignified, and weatherproof spaces for small-scale businesses.
“This market is a strategic investment under the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA),” said PS Omollo. “It aims to empower traders, strengthen food systems, and drive inclusive economic growth across the region.”
Designed to serve as a hub for trade and agricultural distribution, the Chuka Modern Market is expected to streamline the movement of goods, especially fresh produce, enhancing efficiency and reducing post-harvest losses. It also positions Chuka town as a regional commercial center, attracting investment and improving business operations for local entrepreneurs.
In addition to its future utility, the construction phase of the project is already contributing to the local economy. It has created numerous job opportunities and boosted demand for construction materials, food, transport, and other essential services, benefitting surrounding communities.
The market’s completion is anticipated to bring long-term socio-economic benefits, including improved sanitation, security, and organization of trading activities. For many traders who have long operated under makeshift or open-air conditions, the new market promises a more stable and professional business environment.
With a focus on inclusive development, the Chuka Modern Market project reflects the government’s broader vision of equipping counties with modern, functional infrastructure that supports grassroots economic empowerment.
Once finalized, the market will not only serve local residents but also enhance inter-county trade, creating new economic linkages and opportunities throughout the Mt. Kenya region.
