A glimpse of the busy Suswa and Ntulele open air markets paints a picture of traders operating in awful conditions and lacking proper places to display their produce especially on markets days.

Just adjacent the open air market now stands two new, iconic Economic Stimulus markets, a testament of the Government’s commitment to provide a decent place for traders to sell their wares.

Constructed by the Government through the State Department for Housing and Urban Development, the two markets were handed over to the County Government of Narok this week after completion to pave way the allocation of spaces to the traders.

The magnificient Suswa ESP market offers traders relief and hope for a  better future as they prepare to leave behind the shacks they have for so long gotten used to. The same is replicated in Ntulele, where the imposing one storey building located on the Mai Mahiu-Kamandura- Narok road stands out.

The traders were beyond themselves with gratitude to the Government for delivering on a pledge that other regimes had promised but failed to honour.

Bernard Mbugua who operates his shoe business in Suswa said the new market is transformative and will provide traders with a clean yet nice place to do their businesss even as he called for a fair allocation spaces.

Rose Kisutu on the other hand implored on the government to build another market on the remaining piece of land saying markets days attract huge numbers of traders.

Charity Senu said the contrast between the open air market and the new market is not just a joy for the traders but a milestone for the community in Suswa and Ntulele, insisting it empowers women in business.

She voiced her support for the Government saying they are grateful that their taxes are now being put into good use.

The traders in Ntulele said they are looking forward to move into the new market saying the transition is beyond what they expected and will now improve their productiveness.

The Government has embarked on the construction of 400 markets across the Country to boost economic recovery and empower traders.

Already, 201 Economic Stimulus Markets and 29 modern markets are at various stages of construction and once complete will host up to 300 and over 3000 traders respectively. These markets come with other amenities such as  a cold room, an Ablution Block an ICT Hub, a Lactation Room/Creche Day Care as well as accompanying facilities such as Water, electricity etc.

The Construction has also created employment for the youth who are sourced locally both for the skilled and unskilled labour. The Government has also engaged local artisans with an estimated Kes 3.88M ringfenced for them.