Sh50 million Market commissioned in Iten Town

Elgeyo Marakwet governor Wisely Rotich today graced the groundbreaking of Sh.50 million Iten Town new west Market.

The storey market according to the design will also have a parking space that could accommodate at least 60 vehicles at a time.

Addressing Wananchi at the Market after the ground breaking, governor Rotich said:”This is part of the Presidential bottom up economic model. Every hustler doing business will be accommodated in this Market,”

The Iten new market will have the capacity to accommodate at least 600 business operators.

The government through the Ministry of Housing will also establish similar modern Markets in Chepkorio, Kapcherop and Kapyego centres, said governor Rotich.

He said Iten Town, a Sports power House will realise other development projects which include establishment of an Information Technology ICT Centre.

The governor called on conservative plot owners in Iten Town to embrace change and let go of their possession to the younger generation to spur development.

“This town has stagnated because of some individual plot owners who have decided to make land so dear to their hearts. They are growing old and they don’t have capacity to develop the plots either. Their children should also persuade them on how the commercial properties can be utilised,” said Rotich.

The governor also challenged the Management of Matatu transport Saccos in Iten to shape up and make their services attractive.

“The only embarrassment that we have in town is the management of Matatu Stage. These people need to change and make their services attractive for competition instead of engaging in petty conflicts,” said governor Rotich.

County Women MP Hon. Caroline Ng’elechei said the establishment of affordable Housing program in Iten was key in the growth of the town.

“I hope the modern Market will not only have mothers Space for breastfeeding but will also have shower room where Market women can have the luxury to enjoy a hot shower after work,” said the Women MP.

Keiyo North MP Adams Kipsanai in whose constituency the facility will be constructed called on the project contractor to ensure locals were given casual jobs and supply of materials.

Kapchemutwo MCA Stephen Cheruiyot called for a consolidation of Markets in the town to become only one as well as Public Service Vehicles PSV Matatu Stage.

The event was also attended by Deputy Governor H.E. Prof Grace Cheserek, Deputy County Commissioner Julius Maiyo, County CEC for Physical Planning and Urban development Thomas Maiyo and Iten Municipality Manager Raymond Omonei.

Chief officers Elizabeth Korir (Trade) and Emmanuel Birir ( Urban development) were also in attendance.