The government has commissioned the Mnarani ESP Market in Kilifi County, positioning it as a flagship grassroots economic project under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
In a statement shared on social media, Internal Security and National Administration Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said the facility reflects the government’s focus on empowering small-scale traders and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by improving their working environment and access to organised markets.
According to Omollo, the market is designed to serve 204 traders, with 84 stalls located on the upper level and 120 on the ground floor.
He said the allocation responds to the growing demand for structured and inclusive trading spaces in Kilifi, a coastal county with a vibrant informal economy.
The market incorporates modern features aimed at supporting trade efficiency and social welfare.
These include an ICT hub to promote digital commerce and innovation, cold storage facilities to reduce post-harvest losses, and a lactation room to support women traders.
Other amenities include administrative offices, a social hall, a kitchen, a children’s play area and a fully equipped ablution block.
Omollo noted that the inclusion of a borehole ensures a reliable water supply, which is expected to improve hygiene standards, food safety and overall operational efficiency within the market.
Beyond infrastructure, the project has had an immediate economic impact through job creation.
The PS said construction engaged an average of 25 workers, contributing to local income generation during the building phase.
He added that the State Department for Internal Security and National Administration played a facilitative role in the project’s implementation, providing coordination, security oversight and administrative support.
This, he said, helped ensure smooth execution, safeguarded workers and assets, and maintained stability within the surrounding community.
The market is expected to enhance local trade, strengthen livelihoods and support Kilifi County’s broader economic growth agenda.