Residents and traders in Iten are poised to benefit from a major boost in business infrastructure as construction of the Iten Modern Market gathers momentum, promising improved working conditions, enhanced hygiene, and expanded economic opportunities.
According to the site clerk of works Philemon Koech, the facility located in Elgeyo Marakwet County within Keiyo North Constituency has been designed as a comprehensive and inclusive trading hub.
The market features a ground floor, first floor, and second floor, each tailored to meet the diverse needs of traders and customers.
“The ground floor will primarily serve as the main market space for fresh farm produce, complete with preparation areas to ensure goods are sorted and handled hygienically before sale,” Koech said.
The officials say the level will also host general merchandise shops and two food courts, offering a vibrant mix of retail and dining services.
The upper floors will accommodate a variety of specialised facilities. These include cold storage rooms, hotel spaces, jewellery stalls, and cottages for traders.
Social amenities such as meeting rooms, a prayer room, breastfeeding areas for mothers, and administrative offices, including a SACCO office and security unit, have also been incorporated into the design.
“We are happy with this market construction because it has amenities that we do not have in the current market,” says Anita Chelagat, a local trader in Iten.
“Mothers will now have somewhere private to feed and change their babies; this is good sanitation.” She added.
Beyond physical infrastructure, the market will be equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity, enabling traders to embrace digital commerce by marketing and selling their products online in addition to the traditional methods.
Once complete, the market is expected to house approximately 750 traders, significantly easing congestion from the current situation where an estimated 1,200 traders operate in open, often muddy and unconducive conditions.
“The new facility will greatly improve hygiene, storage, and the overall presentation of goods, ultimately boosting sales and the customers’ experience,” Koech noted.
Construction activity at the site remains robust, with over 100 workers engaged daily, including masons, carpenters, machine operators, and support staff such as food vendors.
Notably, the project has prioritised local employment, drawing the majority of its workforce from Iten and surrounding areas, with only specialised roles sourced externally when necessary.
The Iten Modern Market is expected to become a cornerstone of economic growth in the region, providing a structured, clean, and efficient trading environment while uplifting livelihoods across Keiyo North Constituency and beyond.
