Traders in Suswa and Ntulele, Narok County, are celebrating the completion of two modern market facilities under the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP), hailing them as transformative developments that mark the end of years of hardship in open-air markets.
Previously, traders in these areas operated in cramped, unsanitary conditions with limited infrastructure. But now, the newly constructed markets delivered by the State Department for Housing and Urban Development and handed over to the Narok County Government offer a clean, secure, and organized trading environment.
The Suswa ESP market, a striking structure adjacent to the old market, is already being viewed as a beacon of progress. Bernard Mbugua, a local shoe vendor, described the facility as “transformative,” noting that it provides a dignified space for doing business. “We finally have a clean, secure place to operate from. We just hope that space allocation will be fair to everyone,” he said.
A similar transformation has taken place in Ntulele, where a one-storey market building now stands proudly along the Mai Mahiu–Kamandura–Narok road. Traders there are optimistic about the future, saying the new space will boost productivity and attract more customers.
Trader Rose Kisutu urged the government to consider building a second market on available land to accommodate the growing number of traders on market days. Charity Senu, another vendor, praised the development, emphasizing its role in empowering women and benefiting the community. “The contrast between the old market and this new facility is incredible. It’s a clear sign that our taxes are being put to good use,” she remarked.
The initiative is part of a broader government effort to construct 400 markets countrywide to support economic recovery and improve livelihoods. So far, 201 ESP markets and 29 modern markets are at various stages of completion. These facilities include critical amenities such as ablution blocks, ICT hubs, cold rooms, lactation rooms, and daycare centers.
In addition to improving trade, the construction phase has created job opportunities for local youth and artisans, with Ksh 3.88 million ringfenced specifically for their engagement.
The new markets signal a promising shift toward modern, inclusive, and economically empowering trading spaces across Kenya.
