The newly completed Watamu Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) Market has been fully occupied, with more than 200 traders benefiting from a modern, clean and secure trading environment designed to improve livelihoods and stimulate local economic activity.
The facility is part of the Government’s broader investment in economic infrastructure under the State Department for Housing and Urban Development, implemented in collaboration with county governments. The programme seeks to provide traders with affordable and organised spaces equipped with essential services that make it easier to conduct business.
For traders in Watamu, the new market represents a major improvement from the previous trading environment, where congestion, poor weather conditions and inadequate facilities exposed businesses and merchandise to unnecessary risks. The modern facility provides designated trading spaces, better customer access and a more conducive environment for enterprise.
Riziki Ali, a mama mboga at the market, praised the Government for delivering a facility that has improved comfort and dignity for traders. She said the cleanliness, organisation and quality of the market had created a much better environment for conducting business and serving customers.
Jane Kendi said the roofed market has particularly protected traders and their goods from harsh weather. Unlike the previous arrangement, where rain could damage or spoil merchandise, the new facility offers shelter and greater security, allowing traders to operate with increased confidence throughout the day.
The market is equipped with trading stalls, an ablution block, borehole and waste-disposal facilities, alongside other practical amenities. State Department Principal Secretary Charles Hinga said the facility was designed to restore dignity to traders and provide infrastructure that responds to their everyday needs, including storage space, a cold room for perishables, lighting, a mothers and babies room, kitchen, toilets and a meeting hall.
Chairman of the Watamu ESP Market, Samuel Mwita Gathoni, said the facility had brought a new lease of life to traders by providing each business with a designated space. Dennis Mwangula similarly noted that the previous market was congested and sometimes pushed traders onto the road, while the new facility has improved movement, customer access and the overall trading environment.
The Watamu market is part of a wider Government approach that combines economic infrastructure with housing and community development. Similar investments include the KSh66.28 million Mazeras ESP Market in Rabai, the KSh55.17 million Mwatunge ESP Market and the KSh73.19 million Wundanyi ESP Market, alongside affordable housing projects. Together, these investments demonstrate the Government’s focus on creating organised communities where traders, farmers, artisans and small businesses can access decent infrastructure, expand their enterprises, create employment and contribute to local economic growth.
