Chuka Town Municipality is poised to undergo a transformative change with the imminent construction of a state-of-the-art market facility valued at KSh 350 million, following the Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing, and Urban Development’s call for bids for its construction.
Governor Muthomi Njuki expressed optimism about the development, highlighting the collaborative effort between the National Government and the County Government of Tharaka Nithi in the wake of Chuka Town’s recent designation as a Municipality.
Njuki emphasized the necessity of the project, stating, “Every Municipality is required to have a modern market. We will build a state-of-the-art facility in collaboration with the National Government where we expect to relocate traders who are currently occupying part of the market to pave way for the construction.”
The Governor acknowledged the impending relocation of traders from the existing “Marikiti” section of the market, reassuring that the open-air trading section will remain unaffected.
Chuka Town, once among Kenya’s municipalities, lost its status following the adoption of the 2010 Constitution due to population requirements. However, Governor Njuki confirmed the successful appeal for its reinstatement as a Municipality, placing it among the 77 municipalities in the country.
The inauguration of the Chuka Municipality Board on March 07, 2024, marked a significant milestone, with the municipality encompassing three wards: Karingani, Mariani, and Mugwe.
Under the collaborative effort, other markets slated for construction include Chogoria Market and Marimanti Market, with tenders already advertised.
Governor Njuki also disclosed plans for the commencement of affordable housing projects in the county by the National Government. He revealed that proposed construction sites in the three constituencies had been identified, with President William Ruto expected to attend the groundbreaking ceremony during his anticipated visit to the county in May or June.
The Governor made these announcements during the distribution of certified seeds to residents of Mucwa in Chuka Igambang’ombe Constituency on Tuesday, March 26, 2024.
Present at the event were Deputy Governor Wilson Nyaga Muisrael, Speaker of the County Assembly John Mbabu, along with other county and national government dignitaries.
