The Field Marshal Muthoni Economic Stimulus Programme Market in Nyeri County has provided a platform for young women to build their skills. Electrical intern Mary Njugi is one of seven interns working on the project, gaining practical experience in electrical installations, piping, and other areas of construction. Her work has mainly involved electrical installations, including piping and ongoing electrical droppings. This experience has exposed her to other areas of construction, including steel fixing.
Njugi's experience on the project has allowed her to expand her technical skills beyond her area of training. She has learnt about piping and has been able to network with other professionals in the field. Her experience is part of the skills development taking place alongside the construction of the market. Project Clerk of Works Dorcas Kathambi Kang'ethe says the interns have gained practical experience during their time on site, with some developing an interest in construction.
According to Kang'ethe, the interns have improved significantly since they started working on the project. Some have even changed their courses to pursue construction. The project brief states that the Field Marshal Muthoni ESP Market is designed to provide market infrastructure and supporting public facilities while creating employment opportunities for skilled and unskilled workers within the locality.
The project is currently at about 97 per cent completion and is awaiting handover. Its objective is to provide a better trading environment by relocating traders from the bus terminal and to provide additional trading space to accommodate a higher number of traders. The scope of works includes construction of the market block and supporting facilities, electrical and mechanical installations, cold stores, an ICT hub, an ablution block, a waste cubicle, and parking spaces.
The project has provided employment for skilled and unskilled workers, with about 100 labourers engaged on busy days during construction. Kang'ethe says the project has created opportunities for young people to develop skills and pursue employment. For Njugi, the practical experience has allowed her to complement her electrical training with broader construction knowledge while building professional networks.
The project brief identifies employment opportunities for skilled and unskilled workers within the locality as one of the socio-economic impacts of the development. The experience has also exposed Njugi to the wider role construction projects can play in giving young people opportunities to develop skills and pursue employment. The project has been beneficial to the interns, who have gained valuable experience and skills.
The Field Marshal Muthoni ESP Market project has been successful in providing a platform for young women to build their skills. The project has demonstrated the importance of providing opportunities for young people to gain practical experience in their chosen fields. The interns, including Njugi, have gained valuable experience and skills that will benefit them in their future careers.
Key points
- Seven interns gain practical experience working on the Field Marshal Muthoni Economic Stimulus Programme Market in Nyeri County.
- The project has provided employment for skilled and unskilled workers, with about 100 labourers engaged on busy days during construction.
- The project aims to provide a better trading environment by relocating traders from the bus terminal and providing additional trading space.
