- Governor Mutuma agrees to assess an alternative relocation site.
- Traders had rejected the proposed site over suitability concerns.
- The Ksh1.2 billion market will serve more than 3,000 traders.
Gakoromone fresh produce traders in Meru town have reason to smile after Governor Isaac Mutuma agreed to their request for a new relocation site ahead of the planned multi-billion-shilling new Gakoromone market.
The move comes amid growing pressure from traders who want their concerns addressed before they are moved from the current market to pave way for the construction of the new modern Gakoromone market.
The traders held demonstrations to protest against the planned relocation to a new site, claiming their concerns were not fully addressed before the decision was made.
This prompted Governor Mutuma to finally bow to pressure and agree to assess an alternative relocation site.
“Gakoromone traders have spoken, and I have listened. Their biggest concern is the future of the market and the uncertainty surrounding relocation. I have committed to resolving the relocation issue while working closely with the leadership of Gakoromone to ensure that the traders’ concerns remain at the centre of the process,” said Governor Mutuma.
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Speaking at Gakoromone fresh produce market, the governor said the traders made their position clear, noting they wanted Gakoromone market built and improved without losing the businesses and livelihoods they have built at the site.
“Their request will be granted, and I will work with the traders and their leadership to deliver a modern Gakoromone market that gives them a better place to do business and grow,” Governor Mutuma assured the residents.
The traders had rejected the proposed relocation site, citing concerns over its suitability and conditions, and called on the devolved unit to consider an alternative location.
Governor Mutuma has now agreed to send a team to assess the site preferred by the traders, with a view to determining whether it can accommodate them during the construction period.
The planned modern market, which will be built at a cost of Ksh1.2 billion, is expected to benefit more than 3,000 traders once completed.
The decision is a positive step meant to resolve the issues raised by the traders, who have regularly held protests.
By John Majau
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