For years, traders at Suswa shopping centre in Narok County endured extreme weather—scorching heat, heavy rain, thick mud, and dust clouds—while running their businesses in the open. Many could not afford indoor stalls and had no choice but to brave the harsh elements, often resulting in health issues and damaged goods.
This hardship is soon coming to an end with the nearing completion of the Suswa modern market, part of the government’s nationwide initiative to build modern trading hubs under the Economic Stimulus Program (ESP). At 95 percent completion, the market features inclusive facilities like ramps for the disabled, a lactation room, ICT hub, cold storage, a water tank, eatery, and a social hall. Designed to serve over 200 traders, the market is expected to revolutionize trade in the region, providing a dignified, secure, and weatherproof space for business.
The project, implemented by the State Department for Housing and Urban Development, aligns with President William Ruto’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura and his team praised the initiative during a site visit, highlighting its potential to uplift women and youth through access to dignified workplaces and programs like the Hustler Fund.
Residents like Pauline Teka and Pauline Karanja, both employed at the construction site, shared how these job opportunities have allowed them to support their families and start small businesses. Other community members, including elders and local leaders, echoed their appreciation, calling the project a symbol of progress and urging for similar investments to support the elderly and livestock traders. The Suswa market now stands as a beacon of hope—one set to turn past struggles into sustainable success.
