Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyong’o will today open the completed Chichwa market near Jomo Kenyatta sports ground in Kisumu. The building of the market cost Ksh 15 million. The market will provide business space for those affected by the demolitions during port expansion.
The market has a total of 509 market stalls, a 200 capacity modern open market, 3 ultra-modern ablution blocks and a spraying booth. The big market also has water and electricity.
“This is one of the three projects that were funded by the World Bank under a program called Kenya Urban Support Program. The program is called non-motorized transport facility which comes with walking lanes and cycling tracks. There were traders who were displaced from their normal places of trading. Under relocation action plan we decided to build markets for them. Chichwa market will house 518 traders at a cost of Ksh37 million. We also have the open air market which will accommodate around 240 traders. The markets are spacious with water and electricity. The whole project will cost Ksh240 billion.” the City Engineer of Kisumu said.
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The market will serve Kisumu traders who were displaced when the government demolished structures erected on Kenya Railways land. The August 2019 demolition happened to pave way for the expansion of Kisumu Port. Kisumu Port is being refurbished and expanded at a cost of Ksh3 billion. The revamping of the port is meant to revive the transportation of goods through Lake Victoria.
The City Engineer of Kisumu said the market was at 90% completion. Moreover, he said the business area was already operational because pedestrians were walking on the newly-built walkways. Chichwa market will officially open next week for use by traders.
