The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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For 32 years, Vieterina Muthoni Bundi battled the harsh elements at her roadside vegetable stall—enduring rain that turned the area into a muddy mess, the scorching sun, dust storms that scattered her produce, and speeding vehicles that splashed dirty water onto her goods.
At 69, she carries the memories and struggles of a lifetime spent in Chogoria’s open-air market in Maara Constituency, Tharaka Nithi County.
In April 2025, there was a renewed sense of hope, albeit with some skepticism, after over a decade of unfulfilled promises. This time, however, things seemed different. The President visited the site, inspected the construction of the new modern market, and promised to speed up the remaining work.
Muthoni never imagined that vendors like her, often known as “Mama Mboga,” would one day be prioritized, especially after years of being overlooked by successive governments.
“Honestly, we never expected the government to bring such a large project here. I never thought we’d see something like this in Chogoria. It was a huge surprise for all of us,” she said, adding, “That’s why I come to the construction site with a group of 15 women to witness this historic moment.”
Having sold vegetables by the roadside since 1993, Muthoni described the development as nothing short of a miracle.
“We’ve endured rain and sun for years, but now we’re happy to see the modern market taking shape,” she said.
The Chogoria Modern Market, being built at a cost of Sh112 million, is set to accommodate 400 traders, providing them with a dignified and secure environment to grow their businesses.
This transformation is part of a wider initiative across the Mt. Kenya region, where other modern markets, initiated by the Kenya Kwanza administration, are at various stages of completion.
The Chogoria Modern Market is 60% complete, while the Gatunga Modern Market in Tharaka North is 80% finished. Other projects, such as the Kagio Market in Kirinyaga County and Karuga Market in Murang’a County, are also progressing steadily.
During the 2022 election campaign, President William Ruto promised to create dignified environments for Mama Mboga and small-scale traders as part of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
The new markets will feature essential amenities, including cold rooms, ICT hubs, dry stores, vendor stalls, breastfeeding rooms for mothers, and ample parking spaces. These facilities are designed to benefit various traders, including those dealing in fresh produce, second-hand clothes (mitumba), and small-scale manufacturing (jua kali).
Chogoria Market Chairlady Lydia Mukami said women traders have been actively monitoring the market’s construction to ensure it meets the agreed specifications. Mukami, who has sold goods at the open-air market for 16 years, said the group was formed to protect the interests of traders after years of unfulfilled promises. She highlighted how frequent rains often forced traders to stop their businesses, significantly impacting their income.
She expressed confidence that the new market would protect their livelihoods while also improving hygiene and working conditions.
Young people have already benefited from the construction of the new Chogoria Modern Market, with some securing jobs during the building phase. Dennis Mwenda, a phone repair technician, said the project has created new opportunities for youth in the area.
Joseph Karato, Maara Sub-County Assistant County Commissioner, confirmed that construction began in August 2024, employing 20 skilled and 35 unskilled workers. He also noted that the project is expected to inject Sh35 million into the local economy.
“Once completed, the market will offer a significant relief to traders who have endured harsh weather conditions for years. It is designed to be inclusive, with provisions for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs),” Karato said.
Additionally, Sh10 million from the project budget has been set aside for the development of smart stalls for traders.
“These smart stalls will provide a beautiful and secure space for traders to display and store their goods,” Karato explained. “They will be prefabricated on-site by selected Jua Kali artisans, ensuring that the benefits of the Markets Program extend to the local cottage industry sector as well.”
