The Watamu Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) Market, a modern facility built by the State Department for Housing and Urban Development (SDHUD) in collaboration with the County Governments, is now fully occupied by over 200 traders. The market provides organised trading spaces, ample parking, secure storage and sanitation facilities, and has been praised by traders for its clean, efficient, safe and well-situated business environment. This project is part of the government's investment in economic infrastructure across the Coast region and the nation.
The market modernisation programme aims to provide affordable work spaces for organised traders. The Watamu ESP Market features trading stalls, an ablution block, a borehole and waste disposal facilities. Traders have expressed gratitude to President William Ruto for setting up the modern facility, which provides a conducive working environment. Riziki Ali, a mama mboga at the market, praised the quality and comfort of the new facility, citing its cleanliness and well-planned design.
The government's market modernisation programme also includes other projects in the Coast region. In Rabai, the Ksh 66.28 million Mazeras ESP Market will provide 90 stalls, a mother's room, children's play area and storage facilities. Additionally, the Ksh 146.05 million Godoma TTI Student Village in Ganze is designed to accommodate 340 students, with supporting water, security and waste management infrastructure.
Traders at the Watamu ESP Market have reported improved working conditions and increased economic benefits. Jane Kendi, a trader, expressed happiness about being housed under a roof, protected from harsh weather conditions. Samuel Mwita Gathoni, Chairman of the Watamu ESP Market, said the facility has brought a new lease of life to the traders, who are set to benefit economically from trading at the market.
The State Department Principal Secretary, Charles Hinga, said the market was designed to restore dignity to traders while providing practical facilities for daily business. The market features enough space for traders to store their goods, including a cold room for perishables, lighting, a room for mothers and babies, a kitchen, toilets and a hall for meetings and other uses.
President Ruto inspected several economic stimulus projects in the Coast region, including the Mwatunge ESP Market in Mwatate Constituency, Taita Taveta County. The market, developed at a cost of Ksh 55.17 million, accommodates 200 traders and features a mother's lactation room, children's play area, dry store, cold room, ICT hub, food court and kitchen, and a social hall.
The government's focus on providing modern, organised and adequately serviced spaces for commerce is part of a broader approach to complement housing development with socio-economic infrastructure. The President also launched the Wundanyi ESP Market and the 385-unit Wundanyi Affordable Housing Project, which is being implemented at a contract sum of KES 929.23 million, with supporting infrastructure including a clubhouse, swimming pool, water and sewer infrastructure, roads and parking.
Key points
- The Watamu ESP Market provides a modern and secure trading environment for over 200 traders.
- The market modernisation programme aims to provide affordable work spaces for organised traders across the Coast region.
- The government's integrated development of affordable housing, modern markets and supporting social infrastructure seeks to create communities with decent housing and livelihood opportunities.
