Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has announced the commencement of the long-awaited construction of the Gakoromone Modern Market, an ambitious KSh 800 million project aimed at transforming Meru Town into a regional trading hub.
Speaking during the Imenti North Economic Empowerment Programme, Kindiki revealed that the project has been officially approved by President William Ruto and will form part of the government’s Comprehensive Market Infrastructure Programme that targets 400 markets across all 290 constituencies.
“Once completed, Gakoromone Modern Market will provide small-scale traders with a secure, dignified, and conducive environment to earn a living,” Kindiki said. “This is part of our core commitment to growing the economy from the grassroots.”
In addition to Gakoromone, the government is investing in 17 other market projects across Meru County. Key among them is Kianjai Market, which will be constructed at a cost of KSh 300 million, and Maua Market, set to cost KSh 275 million.
The Deputy President also announced a major electrification project targeting an additional 20,000 households in Meru County, with a KSh 1.8 billion allocation aimed at expanding access to the national grid and improving the standard of living.
During the event, Kindiki underscored the Kenya Kwanza administration’s commitment to economic empowerment at the grassroots. He praised the Imenti North Economic Empowerment Programme, which is supporting Mama Mboga, boda boda operators, and youth groups with financial capital to boost their small-scale businesses.
“This initiative will uplift daily hustles, increase incomes and ensure that our people actively participate in the economic transformation of our country,” he added.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Meru Governor Isaac Mutuma, Deputy Governor Linda Kiome, and area MPs Rahim Dawood (Imenti North), Dr. John Mutunga (Tigania West), Mpuru Aburi (Tigania East), and Mugambi Rindikiri (Buuri).
Also present were Nominated MP Dorothy Muthoni, Nyeri Senator Wahome Wamatinga, Meru County Assembly Speaker Ayub Bundi, and Senior Presidential Advisor on Economy Moses Kuria.