Deputy President Kithure Kindiki officially launched the Maralal Municipality Market in Samburu West, Samburu County, on Monday, marking a significant milestone in the administration’s efforts to improve infrastructure for small-scale traders.
Speaking at the event, Kindiki highlighted that the market was constructed at a total cost of Sh73 million, with Sh50 million funded by the national government and Sh23 million contributed by the Samburu County Government. The market is part of a broader initiative, with over 400 similar markets being built across the country under the current administration.
“This market is an important step in providing our traders with modern, dignified spaces to carry out their businesses,” said Kindiki. “When President William Ruto and the rest of us were campaigning for votes, we promised to build modern markets for small-scale traders and vendors like mama mboga, so they can work in better conditions.”
The newly commissioned market is designed to cater to the needs of the local community, featuring facilities such as cold rooms, special rooms for lactating mothers, play areas for children, and ICT hubs that will be freely accessible to the youth. These amenities aim to provide a conducive and supportive environment for both traders and their families.
Kindiki assured the residents of Samburu that the government remains committed to ensuring the equitable distribution of development projects across the country, with the goal of boosting socio-economic growth and improving the living standards of all Kenyans. The construction of the Maralal Municipality Market is a testament to the government’s focus on uplifting local communities and supporting small-scale businesses.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki emphasized that every region in the country will benefit from key development initiatives aimed at improving the lives of all Kenyans.
“My role is to assist the President in delivering development to all Kenyans, and I will ensure that Samburu is not left behind, benefiting from these projects just like every other part of the country,” Kindiki affirmed.
As part of his visit, the Deputy President also inspected the ongoing construction of the Yamo Dam in Samburu County, which is designed to hold 1.5 billion liters of water. The dam is nearing completion, with the government having already invested Sh2.2 billion into its construction. Kindiki noted that only the reticulation and piping remain, after which the residents of Samburu and Maralal will have access to a reliable water source.
“The only work left is the piping from the dam to the town. In a year, it will be fully operational, and the people of Samburu and Maralal will benefit from a consistent water supply,” he stated.
In addition, Kindiki highlighted that the tarmacking of the Maralal-Baragoi road would soon commence once the government allocates the necessary funds. “The funds are already available for the tarmacking, and the contractor will be arriving shortly to begin work,” he added.
To further support the region, Kindiki mentioned that the installation of the Rumuruti power substation is being expedited to improve the electricity supply to Maralal and surrounding areas. This move is expected to help reduce the frequent power outages that have plagued the region.
Kindiki’s visit underscored the government’s commitment to ensuring that rural areas like Samburu receive their fair share of development, with a clear focus on enhancing infrastructure and public services for the local communities.