As the Kirinyaga County government, in conjunction with the national government, continues to invest in the building and expansion of markets, traders in Kerugoya market are already enjoying the conducive business environment offered by the market, which in addition is connected to public free Wi-Fi.

In an interview with Catherine Wairimu, one of the business operators in Kerugoya Market expressed her joy over the decision by the Kirinyaga County government to build a modern market offering maximum security of their trading products.

However, Wairimu revealed that sometimes they face a lot of harassment from the county revenue collection officers who demand the money even when the business is not optimal.

Despite all these shortcomings, she acknowledged the positive impact of the market on the traders and the public at large.

‘The market has free, clean water, ablution blocks, and the presence of security guards employed to secure the place at night. The market is also cleaned regularly. The revenue depa
rtment should listen to us when we tell them to come for the money later since at times we do not have.’

Joy Wangari, another business operator in the Kerugoya market, said the free Wi-Fi has revolutionised the business as they are using it to brand their business on social media platforms without necessarily purchasing additional mobile data from other service providers.

‘We are glad to have the internet because we are able to access the social media where we advertise our products. The stalls are also more affordable since we pay a fee of Sh20 bob daily except on Tuesdays and Fridays, where we pay Sh50 since they are the market days,’ Wangari noted.

Kirinyaga County has already constructed 17 modern markets across the county, with an additional 3 ongoing, which will see the county have a market in every trading centre.

Source: Kenya News Agency