The government has officially completed the construction of the Bumala Modern Market in Busia County, a project that kicked off in December 2024. Interior Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo announced the milestone on Saturday, July 4, stating that the completion of the facility demonstrates the government's commitment to delivering on its development promises to ordinary Kenyans.
Located along the busy Kisumu-Busia highway, the modern market is designed to accommodate both daily trading activities and the increased demand experienced on market days.
The facility is expected to host hundreds of traders, with projections indicating that it will serve over 400 traders on regular days and attract up to 1,000 additional vendors during peak market days. Traders from neighbouring counties such as Vihiga and Bungoma are also expected to flock to the market, boosting inter-county trade.
PS Omollo noted that the market has been equipped with a wide range of facilities aimed at improving business operations while enhancing the welfare of traders and customers. "It features cold storage facilities for perishable goods, a SACCO office, ICT hub, crèche, first aid room, food court, meeting spaces and other essential amenities that will enhance business operations, improve hygiene standards and promote financial and digital inclusion," he said. The cold storage units are specifically designed to help fruit and vegetable vendors reduce post-harvest losses and ensure food safety.
Beyond providing a modern trading space, Omollo said the market is expected to generate long-term economic benefits by supporting commerce and creating new business opportunities across the region.
"Apart from creating jobs during construction, the market is expected to stimulate trade, logistics and enterprise growth across the larger Western Kenya Region," he added. The project has already provided employment opportunities for local youth, including welders, masons and plumbers who worked on the site.
The market is a product of partnership between the national government, which provided funding, and the Busia County government, which availed the land. This comes days after Omollo issued an update on the ongoing construction of the Webuye Economic Stimulus Programme Market in Bungoma County, which is now at 95 percent completion. The Bumala Modern Market is part of the Kenya Kwanza government's ambitious plan to construct over 400 modern markets nationwide.
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