Chogoria ESP Market Construction Hits 87 Percent Completion

Work on the Chogoria ESP Market in Tharaka-Nithi County is nearing the final stages, with current assessments placing the project at 87 percent completion. The development, which broke ground in August 2024, is part of a broader infrastructure push to modernize trading environments for small-scale vendors.

The State Department for Internal Security and National Administration is coordinating the final phases of the build. Dr. Raymond Omollo confirmed the progress, noting that the site is already generating economic activity for suppliers and service providers in the surrounding area.

Once fully operational, the marketplace will provide organized trading spaces designed to offer a more dignified working environment than traditional open-air setups. The facility includes improved storage solutions intended to reduce post-harvest losses for local traders and "hustlers" operating within the county.

Local youth have secured employment throughout the construction period, while transporters and material suppliers have seen increased demand due to the ongoing works. The project is being positioned as a foundation for a more structured local economy, shifting away from informal arrangements.

The State Department continues to oversee the local administration to ensure a safe environment for both the remaining construction activities and future market operations. This coordination is viewed as essential for maintaining order as the facility transitions from a building site to a commercial hub.

The Chogoria project is one of several markets under the Economic Stimulus Program (ESP) framework aimed at decentralizing trade opportunities. By providing sheltered stalls and sanitation facilities, the government expects to attract a higher volume of both traders and shoppers to the Tharaka-Nithi region.

Engineers and contractors are currently focused on internal finishes and the installation of essential utilities. With only 13 percent of the work remaining, the project is expected to be handed over for public use in the coming months, provided the current pace of work is maintained.