Trade

Leaders from the County Government of Makueni County on Monday joined traders at the temporary Wote market site for prayers ahead of the construction of the Wote Modern Market.

The session was led by CECM for ICT, Education and Internship Japheth Mang’oka and CECM for Infrastructure, Transport, Public Works and Energy Peter Mumo. It was held at the relocation site where traders have been moved to pave the way for the project, a joint initiative of the county and national governments.

Speaking at the event, Mumo urged traders to remain calm and patient during the construction period, saying the government would work to minimize disruption to businesses and complete the project within the set timeline.

Mang’oka called for cooperation from traders to ensure smooth implementation of the project, noting that electricity and security have been provided at the temporary site to support business operations. He officially declared the relocation site open, allowing traders to resume operations as construction begins.

Also present were Wote Nziu Ward MCA Felix Mateso, Chief Officer for Trade, Marketing, Industry, Culture and Tourism Jossylyn Mutua, and Chief Officer for Devolution, Public Participation, County Administration and Special Programs Daniel Ndolo, alongside other county officials.

Traders welcomed the relocation and thanked Mutula Kilonzo Jr. and the county administration for facilitating the transition, expressing optimism that the modern market will boost trade in Wote town.

Makueni County has commenced the relocation of more than 300 small-scale traders to temporary structures to pave the way for the construction of a modern market in Wote town.

The Sh350 million market project is being undertaken by the national government in collaboration with the county government of Makueni. The facility is expected to transform trade in the area by replacing the current congested open-air trading spaces.

Speaking during an impromptu tour of the construction site in Wote, Mutula Kilonzo Jr. thanked stakeholders for facilitating what he described as a smooth and humane relocation process aimed at minimizing business disruption and protecting traders’ livelihoods.

The planned modern market will feature smart stalls, proper sanitation facilities, digital payment hubs and improved waste disposal systems, offering traders a cleaner and more organized working environment.

Traders at the site expressed appreciation to Governor Mutula for securing alternative temporary spaces to allow continuity of their businesses as they await completion of the new market.

To support the initiative, the governor has donated building materials for the construction of the temporary structures that will host traders during the transition period.

Nunguni, 19th February 2026 -Construction of the Sh74 million Nunguni Modern Market has officially begun following a site handover ceremony held on Thursday and presided over by Makueni County Chief Officer for Trade, Marketing, Industry, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Jossylyn Mutua.

The project, funded under the 2025/2026 Financial Year at a cost of more than Sh74 million, is scheduled for completion within one year.

The new facility will provide modern, secure and well-organized trading spaces aimed at improving the working environment for traders in Nunguni.

Speaking during the handover, Dr. Mutua described the development as a key investment by the county government in strengthening local commerce and supporting small-scale entrepreneurs.

Once complete, the market is expected to improve sanitation, streamline business operations and enhance revenue collection, positioning Nunguni as a growing commercial centre.

Makindu Town on Friday came alive with renewed energy as the Makueni County Government rolled out a town and market clean-up and greening initiative aimed at promoting cleanliness and environmental conservation.

Led by Trade, Marketing, Industry, Culture and Tourism Chief Officer Dr Jossylyn Nzilani, the exercise brought collaboration from local businesses, community groups and development partners.

Participants cleaned streets, collected waste and planted trees to enhance the town’s appearance and create a healthier environment.

Speaking during the activity, the Chief Officer said the initiative seeks to transform Makindu and other towns into clean, green and attractive trading centres under the One Shop, One Tree campaign.

As a major stopover along the Nairobi–Mombasa highway, Makindu benefited from the planting of over 700 trees.

The exercise also included public sensitization on proper waste management, reinforcing the county’s commitment to sustainable and vibrant business spaces.

Nunguni market traders are set to benefit from a modern, well-organized trading space after Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr laid the foundation stone for the construction of a state-of-the-art market shed.

The Kshs. 80 million project, a flagship initiative of the county government, will be implemented in two phases, with Kshs. 50 million allocated in the 2025/26 financial year.

The new market is designed to ease congestion by relocating hawkers from roadside spaces into a centralized, secure, and orderly facility.

Key features of the project include:

• A basement that will serve as both a parking lot and an open-air market,

• A ground floor dedicated to green grocer traders, and

• A first floor for traders from other sectors.

This transformative development is expected to boost business efficiency, improve customer access, and enhance the overall trading experience in Nunguni town.

On Thursday, the county government hosted a Market Governance Forum at Wote Green Park, bringing together market committee chairpersons from across the county to deliberate on issues affecting trading centers.

The forum, led by Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr., focused their discussions on improving market management, enhancing collaboration with the county government on sanitation and revenue collection, monitoring the progress of development projects and ensuring security in trading centers.

While addressing the meeting, Governor Kilonzo urged the market leaders to collaborate with the county government for seamless service delivery to the people of Makueni. “My government will accord you the ultimate support needed to spur economic growth in our trading centres,” stated Kilonzo

The meeting also saw participation from Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, County Secretary Dr. Justin Kyambi and a host of senior county officials, including CEC Members Nicholas Nzioka, Japheth Mang’oka and Damaris Kavoi, as well as Chief Officers Dr. Jossylyn Nzilani, Bonface Mutua, Felistus Mutune and Daudi Kyalo with Municipal managers from Wote and Emali/Sultan Hamud also attending the session.

This forum is part of an ongoing exercise by the Trade Department to formalize market committees and streamline operations across Makueni’s trading hubs.

Hundreds of traders in Wote town took part in a transformative training program on Wednesday aimed at empowering micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

The program convened by the County Trade Department brought together officers from the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), Micro and Small Enterprise Authority (MSEA), and the Small Business Development Centre (SBDC Makueni) to provide training on product quality improvement and compliance with government regulations.

This training focused on equipping participants with vital entrepreneurial skills, including quality assurance, inspection and testing services, metrology, consumer protection, certifications and standards, business planning, financial management and bookkeeping.

Attending the training, Ag. CECM Trade, Marketing, Industry, Culture and Tourism Nicholas Nzioka urged traders to develop networks and partnerships that will serve to strengthen the MSME sector in Makueni, fostering growth, compliance and economic sustainability for local trade.

During the training, KEBS Principal Officer for Quality Assurance Mildred Eboi demonstrated the steps required to obtain a standardization mark for goods. She further cautioned traders against selling substandard products, highlighting that it is illegal and punishable by law.

The forum that was also attended by Trade, Marketing, Industry, Culture and Tourism Chief Officer Jossylyn Nzilani and Trade Director Harrison Kiandiko among other officers marks a significant step in promoting quality assurance and protecting consumers while supporting local businesses.