President William Ruto has received praise from traders at the fully operational Watamu Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) Market, which opened in September 2024, as part of a broader government initiative to modernize urban infrastructure and support small businesses. The market, developed by the State Department for Housing and Urban Development (SDHUD) in collaboration with county governments, features 120 trading stalls, an ablution block, a borehole, and waste disposal facilities, according to official records. Traders highlighted the improved safety, cleanliness, and efficiency of the new space compared to the previous informal setup, which left goods vulnerable to weather damage.
The project, part of the government’s economic infrastructure investments, includes the Ksh 66.28 million Mazeras ESP Market in Rabai, which will provide 90 stalls, a mother’s room, and children’s play areas, and the Ksh 146.05 million Godoma TTI Student Village in Ganze, designed to accommodate 340 students. Riziki Ali, a vegetable vendor at Watamu, said the new market’s “quality and comfort” met traders’ needs, while Jane Kendi noted the protection from rain that previously damaged goods. Samuel Mwita Gathoni, chairman of the Watamu ESP Market, emphasized the facility’s role in revitalizing trade for over 200 traders, who now have designated spaces and better access for customers.
SDHUD Principal Secretary Charles Hinga stated the market was designed to “restore dignity to traders” with features including a cold room for perishables, lighting, and a meeting hall. The project aligns with Ruto’s September 2024 tour of the Coast region, which included inspections of the Ksh 55.17 million Mwatunge ESP Market in Mwatate Constituency, Taita Taveta County, and the Ksh 73.19 million Wundanyi ESP Market. The latter, set to open later in 2024, will host 200 stalls and 100 external sellers, with infrastructure including an ICT hub, parking, and sewer systems.
During the tour, Ruto also launched the Wundanyi Affordable Housing Project, a Ksh 929.23 million initiative providing 385 units with amenities like a clubhouse and swimming pool. In Voi, the 458-unit Voi Pool House Affordable Housing Project, 72% complete, includes commercial shops and a kindergarten. These developments, part of SDHUD’s strategy to integrate housing with socio-economic infrastructure, aim to create “communities where residents can access decent housing while traders have appropriate spaces to earn a livelihood,” according to government statements.
The Coast region’s six counties are central to the government’s infrastructure agenda, with projects spanning markets, roads, and housing. The Mwatunge Market, serving 30,000 residents, is expected to boost local trade linkages and employment. Dennis Mwangula, a trader, noted the previous market’s congestion forced some to operate on roads, whereas the new facility ensures “easier income generation.” SDHUD’s approach emphasizes “modern, organised, and adequately serviced spaces for commerce,” as highlighted by Hinga.
Public officials and traders alike underscored the economic and social benefits of the projects. The Wundanyi Market’s design, including a lactation room and children’s play area, reflects a focus on inclusivity. Meanwhile, the Godoma Student Village and housing projects address both commercial and residential needs. These efforts align with the government’s broader vision to improve urban spaces and livelihoods through coordinated development.
The completion of Watamu’s market and ongoing projects in Mwatunge and Wundanyi signal a sustained push for infrastructure that supports small businesses and local economies. With over 160 workers engaged in Voi’s housing project and multiple markets nearing full operation, the government’s emphasis on “socio-economic infrastructure” appears to be gaining momentum, according to reports from the State Department for Housing and Urban Development.