Kakamega County has spent more than Ksh.10 billion on infrastructural development of markets in 12 sub-counties since he took power in 2013.
The funds have been used on construction and repair of markets, toilets, stalls, kiosks, stock rings and water storage tanks among others.
So far, 14 modern markets have been constructed at a cost of Ksh.700 million and spread across 12 sub-counties.
15 old markets have been refurbished to modern standards at a cost of Ksh.42 million, setting of modern kiosks at a cost of Ksh.97 million.
“To promote cattle selling a business we have constructed stock rings at various markets at Sh72 million and 42 toilets at Sh82 million,” said Governor Wycliffe Oparanya.
Oparanya made the remarks at Dudi Market in Khwisero Sub County when he inspected the construction of the Ksh.43.5 million facility which is set to be completed in two weeks.
“Construction of this market has taken longer than expected. I have directed the contractor to finish this work in two weeks. I will come here personally to inspect it before commissioning it,” he said.
Construction of all the projects have been aimed at providing a conducive environment and promoting commercial activities by traders. The move has helped in improving revenue collection for the county government.
High mast flood lights have been installed at most of the markets to enable traders to conduct their businesses till late hours and improve the security of the centres.
According to Oparanya, Kakamega County is one of the rural counties that have the best markets and asked the traders to take advantage of the improved conditions to up their commercial activities.
