President Uhuru Kenyatta on Thursday opened the Karatina Market Hub, the largest open-air market in East Africa and also the second largest in Africa after Kano in Nigeria.
According to the Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU), the market that cost Ksh475 million is set to host 2000 traders and will be operational for 24 hours a day.
Nyeri county residents are joyous over the project because it has finally materialised after a 10-year stall caused by wrangles.
The history of the market dates back to 1938 when it started as a barter trade centre and hit a growth spurt during the construction of Nairobi – Nanyuki Railway line.
It was considered for upgrading under the Economic Stimulus Program in 2009 when Uhuru was the Finance Minister and was commissioned the following year.
The president also commissioned the construction of the Terminal 1 at Nyaribo Airstrip in Nyeri to further promote the recently launched direct flights to Wilson Airport in Nairobi.
Nyeri County Governor Mutahi Kahiga expressed his optimism about what these new developments mean for the region.
A source close to his office told Kenyans.co.ke that the project is being undertaken by the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) in conjunction with the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure.
He explained the strategic location of the county in that, it lies in between Mt Kenya and Aberdare ranges which are popular tourist attractions.
The president is also expected to address concerns by the Central region MPs about the national government’s resource allocation to their counties.
