Kilala Market Construction in Makueni County Reaches 55 Percent Completion

Construction of the two-storey Kilala Market in Makueni County has reached 55 percent completion as the government advances its investment in modern retail infrastructure.

The project, which launched in 2025, is part of the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), a national initiative aimed at supporting small enterprises through improved trade environments.

The new facility is designed to accommodate 200 traders. According to project specifications, the ground floor will provide 80 trading spaces, while the upper level will house an additional 120 stalls.

The structural design moves away from traditional open-air markets, incorporating an integrated layout that includes an ICT hub, cold storage facilities for perishable goods, and a social hall.

Further amenities integrated into the build include administrative offices, a dedicated lactation room for mothers, a kitchen, and a children's play area. A fully equipped ablution block is also being installed to serve the hygiene needs of both traders and customers. These additions are intended to create a multi-functional space that supports local economic activity beyond basic commodity exchange.

The construction phase has already begun to impact the local economy in Makueni. Currently, 30 workers are employed on-site, providing immediate income opportunities for families in the area.

Once finished, the market will join a network of similar ESP projects across the country designed to formalize the informal sector and reduce post-harvest losses through better storage and logistics.