Tharaka-Nithi County Governor Muthomi Njuki has assured residents that the construction of the Chuka Marigiti Market will be completed in the next 12 months.
Speaking when he officially commissioned the construction, Governor Njuki noted that the County Government was ready to offer any necessary support to ensure the completion of the project.
He urged the contractor to source construction workers locally and use available construction resources as a way of boosting economic growth in the county.
“I want to thank President William Ruto for honoring his pledge to have a modern market constructed at Chuka. This is a trademark project under the Kenya Kwanza administration from a leader who has helped push for major development projects in the county from his time as Deputy President,” he said.
The Governor warned against divisions among political leaders that might hinder the construction of the market. He added that he had no problem with any leader in the county and called for unity to see the project through to completion.
Tharaka Nithi County Assembly Speaker John Mbabu noted that leaders were free to lobby for projects from the national government, criticizing some leaders who, according to him, were only interested in taking credit for the construction of the market.
“There are leaders who only want to take credit for this market. The government allocates 15% to counties and retains 85%. There is no leader who can’t lobby for projects from the national government,” he said.
The County Government was responsible for the demolition of the 40-year-old Chuka Market and the relocation of its current occupants to make way for the construction of an ultra-modern market, set to cost KSh 300 million.
The three-story modern market, occupying 6,000 square meters, will have 254 open stalls, 113 shops, 6 food courts, 2 cold rooms, a crèche, a meeting room, an ICT hub, and a sacco office.
The building will also be equipped with 4 offloading bays, a revenue office, 1 powerhouse, and space for a first aid/health room.
During a tour of the county in July 2024, President William Ruto announced that the government would construct 5 new modern markets in Tharaka-Nithi, allocating KSh 300 million and KSh 170 million towards the construction of Chuka and Chogoria markets, respectively.
Chuka Igambang’ombe MP Patrick Munene, who was present during the commissioning, left without making his speech following a hostile reception.
Other leaders present included Deputy Governor Wilson Nyaga Muisrael, MCAs Godfrey Gaturo, Morris Maugu, Luke Marengo, Wanja Karuku, and Zachary Njagi.
