Chwele Market to Get Cold Storage, ICT Hub in Major Upgrade [Photos]

Chwele Market in Bungoma County is set for a major modernization that will introduce new facilities aimed at improving trade and supporting more than 1,000 traders. 

In a statement on Friday, October 2, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said the Chwele County Strategic Market was being upgraded through the national Government's Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) in partnership with the Bungoma County Government. 

The ministry said the market had grown into a major commercial centre because of its strategic position and strong links to the Kenya-Uganda trade corridor.

"Chwele is historically recognised as Kenya's second-largest open-air market after Karatina, with annual trade estimated at more than Ksh15 billion and strong links to the Kenya-Uganda trade corridor," he wrote.

Omollo said the modernization project is expected to provide the infrastructure needed to support the large volume of commercial activity taking place at the market.

"The ongoing modernization of the Chwele County Strategic Market is therefore a timely investment in an already powerful commercial hub, giving its vast trading activity the modern infrastructure it requires," he added.

Omollo further said the project would transform the market into a modern multi-storey facility capable of accommodating more than 1,000 traders.

"The project, supported through the national Government's Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) and Bungoma County Government, will create a modern multi-storey facility for more than 1,000 traders," he further said.

According to Omollo, the upgraded facility will feature purpose-built stalls designed to provide traders with more structured spaces for their businesses.

It will also include cold-storage rooms to support the handling and preservation of agricultural produce, alongside an ICT hub and conference facilities.

Other facilities planned for the market include a mothers' room, revenue offices, modern sanitation facilities, drainage systems and dedicated loading and offloading areas.

Omollo said the modernization would also address challenges associated with trading in exposed and congested spaces, particularly in the handling of agricultural products.

"By moving trade from exposed and congested spaces into a structured facility, the project will improve the handling of agricultural produce, reduce post-harvest losses and strengthen Chwele's role as a regional marketplace," he concluded.

Elsewhere, the completed Bumala Modern Market in Busia County is expanding opportunities for traders while strengthening the local economy.

In an update on Monday, September 28, Omollo said the market is among investments under the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP), providing traders with a modern space designed to support both daily commerce and busy market days.

He said the practical impact of such investments can be seen in communities where traders have gained better working environments and improved opportunities to earn a living.

"Whatever differing views may exist about the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP), its practical impact is visible in communities where modern markets are giving traders better places to work and earn a living," he wrote.

Omollo said the Bumala facility has been equipped with several amenities intended to improve the experience of traders and customers while supporting different aspects of business operations.

The market provides cold storage facilities, a SACCO office, ICT hub, crèche, first aid room, food court and meeting spaces, giving traders access to services within the same facility.

Omollo said the amenities have improved key aspects of trading, including hygiene, convenience and access to financial and digital services.

"These amenities have improved hygiene, convenience, business efficiency and access to financial and digital services," he added.

Beyond providing trading spaces, the market has also created opportunities for businesses and workers involved in activities supporting commerce around the facility.

Omollo said the operational market is contributing to economic activity in sectors including transport, logistics and small enterprises, creating opportunities beyond the traders operating inside the market.

"The now operational market has generated opportunities in trade, transport, logistics and small enterprise," he further said.