NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 5 – Traders at the Watamu Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) Market in Kilifi County have welcomed the modern facility, which is now fully occupied, citing improved working conditions, security and access to designated trading spaces.

📻 Breaking It Down

The market, developed under the government’s market modernisation programme, provides traders with organised stalls and supporting infrastructure intended to improve sanitation, protect goods from harsh weather and create a more conducive environment for business.

The State Department for Housing and Urban Development said the facility includes trading stalls, an ablution block, a borehole and waste disposal facilities.

Traders have credited President William Ruto’s administration with providing an improved working environment compared with the congested and weather-exposed spaces they previously occupied.

📌 What You Need to Know

Riziki Ali, a vegetable trader at the market, said the facility had improved comfort and cleanliness while providing an environment better suited to their daily business activities.

“We thank the President for this market because of the quality and comfort it brings. It is very clean, far better than where we were, and the planning was designed to fit our needs,” she said.

Jane Kendi said traders previously faced the risk of their goods being damaged by rain because they operated in exposed spaces.

She welcomed the provision of covered trading areas, saying the new facility would offer greater protection from harsh weather conditions.

Watamu ESP Market chairman Samuel Mwita Gathoni said the facility had brought renewed opportunities for more than 200 traders expected to benefit economically from the project.

Dennis Mwangula said the previous market was congested, sometimes forcing traders to conduct business along the road.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya