The construction of the Kagio Modern Market in Kirinyaga County has reached nearly 18 percent progress, signalling steady advancement on one of the region’s most anticipated economic projects. The development, launched by President William Ruto in April 2025, is designed to accommodate more than 1,000 traders and modernize commerce in the area. According to Interior Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo, the ongoing works reflect the government’s commitment to expanding market infrastructure under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
The two-storey market is being built as a fully integrated business hub, featuring spacious trading stalls, an administration block, cold storage units, a mother and baby room, a children’s play zone, a kitchen, Sacco offices, and an ICT innovation centre. Officials say the inclusion of cold rooms will be especially critical for farmers dealing in tea, coffee, dairy, fruits, and vegetables, helping to reduce post-harvest losses and secure better prices. The organized layout is also expected to streamline buyer–seller interactions, widen access to markets, and spur value-chain growth across Kirinyaga and neighbouring counties.
Local residents have welcomed the project, noting that it is already creating employment through the more than 50 workers—mostly youth and interns—engaged daily at the site. Leaders and community members say the market will not only strengthen trade but also equip young people with hands-on construction skills that can support future livelihoods. As the project continues to take shape, the government maintains that modern markets such as Kagio will form the backbone of rural economic revitalization and farmer empowerment. Once completed, the facility is expected to serve as a model for upcoming centres, ensuring long-term economic resilience and enhancing prosperity for communities across the region.