Governor Nyong’o presiding over the official groundbreaking of the of Kibuye market
By Nancy Juma
Today marks an important milestone in the history of Kibuye market – one of the largest and most vibrant open-air markets in Africa.
The market is set to undergo a major infrastructural transformation following a ground breaking ceremony by Kisumu Governor Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o that will see it be upgraded into a modern business complex.
Coming just a few months after traders were relocated to other sites to pave way for its construction, the commencement of this modernization can only be good news to thousands of traders who have for a long time earned their living from the vibrant commercial centre that attracts traders from across East Africa.
While addressing traders and members of the public at Kibuye market, Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o appreciated support extended to Kisumu by partners including the National Government, the World Bank Group and the French Government through the Kenya Urban Support Programme and Kisumu Urban Project, projects he says have made Kisumu an investment city of choice in the East African region.
The Governor confirmed that once completed in a few months, the market will be one of the most beautiful markets in East and Central Africa providing traders with dignified business spaces. Phase one of the project will see the construction of four new ablution blocks, a boundary wall, roads, walkways and foul water drainage, offloading and customer parks, shades and warehouse for the wholesale market and storm water drainage.
Other features will include flood lights and street lighting, water storage tanks and reticulation as well as electrical connection and landscaping that will provide the traders with clean, safe and healthy environment to conduct their business.
The construction of Kibuye makert is happening at a time the County Government is working on other infrastructural developments to help change the face of Kisumu. These include rehabilitation of its green spaces including Jamhuri Gardens and construction of modern satellite bus parks such as the Nyamasaria bus park which were also commissioned by the Governor earlier today.
The beautification process at Jamhuri gardens will be developed alongside others such as Oile park and Botanical garden complete with modern recreational facilities and will ensure that the citizenry have a place to relax and enjoy their leisure time. The bus parks to be constructed at the three strategic locations of Otonglo, Nyamasaria and Mamboleo will help in decongesting the city that now has to bear with all traffic coming into town from all regions.
The Governor says the projects have only been made possible because of the good rapport between the two levels of government and the Donor community adding that the county has a robust development plan for other sub counties across sectors.
“We must make Kisumu conducive for investors because a county with a dull, and poorly developed capital will never attract investors who are expected to provide jobs”. Nyong’o said, allaying fears that other parts of the county are being neglected on matters development.
Just recently, the Governor unveiled Maseno and Ahero towns that now qualify for donor funding from various partners. With the town status, the two will now have their own budgetary allocation for development which is good news to the ears of many residents who are eager to enjoy the fruits of devolution.
The Governor was accompanied by his deputy Dr. Mathew Owili, County Executive Members Prof. Judith Attyang – Trade, Prof. Boaz Nyunya – Health, Members of the City Board, Ag. City Manager Abala Wanga, Members of the County Assembly led by the Speaker Jack Oraro among other County Officials.
